Can Species Evolve Rapidly Enough to Adapt to Global Warming?

Posted on March 12, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

California’s Drought-Induced Cracked Sacramento River Bed

Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Recent observations show that a species has thrived despite extreme weather through rapid evolution. Does this suggest that species increasingly affected by soaring temperatures and challenging conditions can adapt as the planet continues to warm?

Historically, evolution has rescued numerous species from climate-related threats. Over the past 500 million years, Earth’s climate has fluctuated significantly, with species, including crocodiles, thriving in regions like the Arctic. Plants and animals have consistently adapted to survive as their environment changes.

The critical factor is time. Previously, the quickest climatic shift known was the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, occurring approximately 56 million years ago, when temperatures jumped by 5 to 8 degrees Celsius over about 20,000 years. Today’s projections suggest temperatures could exceed 4°C by century’s end. Can evolution effect such rapid change?

The answer, particularly for organisms with short life cycles, is a resounding yes. Compelling evidence comes from the wild plant known as the Scarlet Monkeyflower (Mimulus cardinalis), which adapted rapidly during the drought that hit California from 2012 to 2015.

Daniel Anstedt, a researcher at Cornell University in New York, began an extensive study of the monkeyflower in 2010. He assessed the plants’ growth annually across many habitats and collected samples for DNA analysis.

The Scarlet Monkeyflower thrives near water, making it vulnerable to drought conditions. Anstedt notes, “If you plant it in a pot and don’t water it for a few days, it simply dies.”

Remarkably, while three local populations disappeared, many surviving plants exhibited numerous mutations related to climate adaptation in their genomes, indicating they evolved drought tolerance within a remarkable three years. These populations were also the fastest to recover post-drought.

This phenomenon is termed “evolutionary rescue,” where species survive critical threats through rapid evolutionary changes. While lab studies have demonstrated this, Anstedt asserts that this is the first real-world case of its kind.

Scarlet Monkeyflower: A Water-Loving Plant

Douglas Tolley / Alamy

“Demonstrating exponential evolution is challenging,” Anstedt explains. “It requires showing a population’s decline due to a threat, illustrating genetic adaptation, and confirming that these changes facilitated recovery.”

Numerous instances of evolutionary rescue exist; for example, finches in the Galápagos Islands adapted to drought, Tasmanian devils evolved in response to contagious cancer, pests gained resistance to pesticides, and killifish adapted to pollution in U.S. rivers. However, Anstedt notes that verifying all three key factors in these instances remains uncharted territory.

“This research is pivotal as it shows recovery can be attributed to rapid evolution, a realization that hasn’t been documented extensively across species,” he adds.

Andrew Stouffer, a professor at Washington State University studying Tasmanian devils, concurs: “While we’ve observed rapid evolution in species like the Tasmanian devil, evidence linking it to demographic recovery is scarce.”

It’s important to note that the three-year drought detailed here is weather-related, not necessarily indicative of long-term climate shifts. “Determining long-term adaptation to climate change requires additional time,” Stouffer emphasizes.

In essence, the Scarlet Monkeyflower’s adaptation to survive one severe drought doesn’t guarantee it can evolve to withstand rising temperatures or extreme weather variations a century or more down the line. “Future droughts could be even worse than those experienced recently,” Anstedt warns.

Moreover, as populations decline, valuable genetic diversity—the key to evolutionary adaptability—is lost. Frequent and severe population declines diminish a species’ evolutionary potential each time.

Consequently, as global warming escalates, the frequency and intensity of threats will likely increase, while the capacity for evolution may diminish, particularly in long-lived species with extended generation times.

Nevertheless, Anstedt views his findings as promising. “Many current predictions about species decline neglect to account for evolution,” he concludes. “This insight brings hope for future adaptability.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Understanding Your BMI: How Concerned Should You Really Be?

Posted on March 12, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Simple measurements don’t always tell the whole story

Lee Charlie/Shutterstock

Health and BMI Discussion — Simple measurements don’t always tell the whole story

Lee Charlie/Shutterstock

I consider myself healthy—enjoying a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, passionate about fiber, and dedicated to rock climbing twice weekly. However, when I calculated my body mass index (BMI)—weight divided by height squared—I was shocked to discover I am classified as overweight.

For many, this revelation can be alarming, especially for those who have had a past obsession with weight. But how concerned should you truly be about your BMI?

It’s essential to understand that BMI is not a true measure of health. Developed by the 19th-century mathematician Adolphe Quetelet for tracking population metrics, it does not take individual health into account. While it gained traction in the 1970s as an easy method for assessing body fat levels, it falls short of providing a comprehensive health picture.

Since the World Health Organization endorsed BMI in 1997 as a health assessment tool, it has become ingrained in medical practices. Classifications based on BMI include underweight (below 18.5), overweight (25 to 29.9), and obesity (above 30). While this categorization aids in determining treatment eligibility, it introduces significant flaws.

The primary issue is that BMI fails to differentiate between bone, muscle, and fat. A muscular individual might rank as overweight despite being fit and healthy. For instance, my own journey of gaining muscle strength through rock climbing contributed to my BMI categorization.

Conversely, individuals maintaining a ‘healthy’ BMI can still experience health issues. Conditions such as amenorrhea can stem from insufficient body fat, leading to serious health consequences like brittle bones and cardiovascular diseases.

Additionally, BMI does not consider fat distribution, ignoring the risks associated with visceral fat, which primarily surrounds internal organs. Studies indicate that this type of fat is linked to higher risks of conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes.

Though BMI isn’t entirely without merit, alternative methods provide more accurate health assessments. Research highlights the waist-to-hip ratio as a superior indicator, predicting heart attack risk more effectively. Studies also support its role as a better predictor of mortality.

The weight-adjusted waist index offers another promising metric by highlighting visceral fat while enhancing BMI’s efficiency. The Body Roundness Index (BRI) utilizes measurements of height, waist circumference, and weight to assess body shape, also yielding superior predictions for total and visceral fat.

If weight is a concern, considering these alternatives is more beneficial than solely relying on BMI. However, I advocate for prioritizing healthy lifestyle habits—such as consuming a diverse range of fruits and vegetables, nurturing social connections, ensuring ample sleep, and engaging in regular physical activity—over fixating on numerical values. That’s the approach I strive to maintain!

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Newly Discovered Dinosaur Could Change Our Understanding of Tyrannosaurus Origins

Posted on March 12, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A 74-million-year-old leg bone unearthed from a fossil bed in New Mexico Tyrannosaurus rex suggests groundbreaking insights in a recent study published in Scientific Reports.

This discovery supports the theory that Tyrannosaurus did not migrate from Asia, but instead originated in what is now the American Southwest. This shift in understanding implies that the group evolved into giants much earlier than previously believed.

The shin bone, found in the Kirtland Formation of New Mexico and dating to the late Campanian period, measures 96 centimeters (3.1 feet) long—approximately 84 percent the size of the largest known Tyrannosaurus specimen’s tibia.

Based on its measurements, researchers estimate that the animal weighed around 4,700 kg (10,400 lb), making it the largest known Tyrannosaurus of its time—roughly 50 percent heavier than its contemporary rivals.

The researchers propose three possible origins for the bone: it may belong to a particularly large theropod dinosaur, identified as Vista hebersol; it could represent a newly recognized lineage of giant tyrannosaurs; or it might be an early member of the Tyrannosaurini, related to Tyrannosaurus and its closest relatives.

Of these theories, the authors believe the last is the most plausible. Lead researcher Dr. Nicholas Longrich from the University of Bath noted that the bones closely resemble those of Tyrannosaurus.

“This sounds like Tyrannosaurus,” he remarked in an interview with BBC Science Focus. “If these bones were found in the same beds we know Tyrannosaurus were found, no one would doubt it.”

This bone belonged to an animal that predates Tyrannosaurus by 8 to 9 million years – Photo credit: Nick Longrich

This suggests that the Tyrannosaurus lineage may have originated in southern North America, with connections to the giant tyrannosaurus, Tyrannosaurus macraiensis, identified from the slightly younger Hall Lake Formation in New Mexico. Longrich discovered this latest bone while photographing specimens on a museum shelf.

Large-scale clustering of Tyrannosaurus remains in the American Southwest indicates that this lineage likely evolved in that area before dispersing across the continent, millions of years prior to their emergence further north.

Further excavations of the Kirtland Formation may help clarify the ownership of this bone. Longrich expressed that “the potential for new materials to be discovered is very high,” noting that teeth might be a promising avenue for discovery due to their superior preservation compared to bones.

A more complete skeleton would allow researchers to formally name the species and determine if it represents a direct ancestor of Tyrannosaurus or an early relative.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

TikTok Bans Unpublished Ads and Protects Minors: Key Policy Changes Explained

Posted on March 12, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

European Union Legislation on TikTok Advertising Aimed at Minors

Sipa US / Alamy

The European Union has enacted rigorous regulations that ban social media platforms from delivering targeted advertising to children. Nevertheless, a recent investigation into TikTok has uncovered a significant loophole: teens are still subjected to targeted commercial content misleadingly presented as ordinary posts.

The EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) strictly forbids profiling minors for advertising. However, the law restrictively defines “advertising,” only addressing “official” ads directly purchased through the platform’s advertising network. Consequently, influencer marketing and unlisted promotional videos largely escape scrutiny.

To investigate this issue, Sarah Sojalova and researchers from Slovakia’s Kempelen Institute for Intelligent Technology created automated accounts that simulated teenagers aged 16-17 and adults aged 20-21. The bots, programmed with specific interests such as beauty, fitness, and gaming, were tasked to browse TikTok’s algorithmically-generated For You feed for one hour a day over the course of ten days.

“Understanding social media behaviorally is essential for our society, and this is how we achieve it,” Sojalova states.

Throughout the simulation, the bot viewed a total of 7,095 videos, 19% of which contained some form of advertisement. Notably, around 56% of these ads were unreleased, where creators and brands promoted products without adhering to the platform’s mandated disclosure labels.

Official ads delivered to minor accounts were minimal or entirely absent, with no sign of personalized targeting. However, most commercial content encountered by the simulated teens categorized as undisclosed advertising.

These hidden ads were actively customized to align with the presumed interests of teenagers. For instance, if a simulated 16-year-old girl expressed a preference for beauty, 92.1% of the unpublished ads presented to her by the algorithm resonated with those interests.

Overall, the study indicated that covert profiling of minors was five to eight times more effective than the extent of targeting permitted in formal adult advertising, as measured by the disparity between how often ads aligned with a user’s interests and how frequently they were shown to the average user. Crucially, the majority of ads viewed by minors were unpublished: 84% of ads seen by minors fell into this category, in contrast to 49% for adults.

“Though TikTok technically complies with the law by not officially advertising to minors, it still allows an overwhelming amount of non-disclosed commercial content,” Sojalova remarked. “TikTok is doing its utmost in this respect. However, published ads account for only a small segment of the overall content on the app.” TikTok opted not to comment for this piece.

“These unpublished ads signify a novel form of targeted advertising. By analyzing consumer preferences to determine the content they will be exposed to, platforms can effortlessly deliver more commercial material,” asserts Catalina Goanta, a researcher at Utrecht University in the Netherlands.

Goanta emphasizes the need for responsibility to be shared among a broader set of stakeholders, including regulatory bodies. “Influencer marketing is often narrowly interpreted by regulators, leading to consumer harm,” she noted. Sojalova concurs: “We must broaden the definition of what constitutes advertising.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Is a Firefly Reboot Coming? Should Serenity Soar Again?

Posted on March 12, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Firefly: Zoe Washburn, Mal Reynolds, Gina Torres as Jayne Cobb, Nathan Fillion, Adam Baldwin © 20th Century Fox Film Corp

Everett Collection Inc / Alamy

Firefly holds a cherished spot in the hearts of countless science fiction enthusiasts. Debuting in 2002, this iconic space western created by Joss Whedon is beloved for its rich storytelling and a vibrant ensemble of fascinating characters. Unfortunately, it was canceled after just one season, leaving fans yearning for more. Whedon was subsequently unable to develop additional episodes but finally concluded the series with a feature film, Serenity, which demonstrated the show’s unrealized potential.

With over two decades since the film’s release, fans—affectionately known as the Browncoats—have eagerly anticipated any news regarding a potential reboot. Recently, Nathan Fillion, who portrays the captain of the spaceship Serenity, has visited former cast members, dropping cryptic hints and quotes from the original series, creating a buzz among fans. An announcement is expected on March 15th.

While many fans are wary of a reboot due to various concerns—including Whedon’s controversial reputation—there remains a glimmer of hope for new adventures in the beloved universe.

For this article, I revisited the original 14 episodes and Serenity to refresh my memory of this treasured series. I aim to discuss the essence of the show without revealing any spoilers for those who have yet to experience it.

Two aspects immediately struck me while watching the first episode. Firstly, Whedon’s distinctive style shines through as he skillfully blends multiple genres, featuring characters donned in Civil War-era attire, riding horses on alien worlds, and evading formidable enemies. The adventurous spirit of the crew and the underlying mysteries make for a captivating viewing experience.

Secondly, Whedon’s talent for casting is apparent. Each character contributes uniquely to the ensemble, elevating the overall narrative. Alan Tudyk’s portrayal of the ship’s pilot is particularly memorable, showcasing a delightful blend of humor and humanity, though some character portrayals, like Morena Baccarin’s role as a “companion,” come with complex implications.

The film adaptation, Serenity, showcases a dramatic enhancement in production quality. Despite some disjointed exposition for newcomers, the film captures the essence of its characters and story. Even with strong performances, the addition of a compelling antagonist could have further enriched the narrative.

Though fans are apprehensive about the future, many believe there is untapped potential within this beloved universe, ripe for exploration. The original cast, now seasoned in their craft, might breathe new life into familiar characters with fresh stories that resonate with both old and new audiences.

(And yes, we acknowledge the potential disappointment that may come with renewed hope.)

Emily H. Wilson is the author of numerous works, including Sumerian and is a former editor at New Scientist.

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Science Fiction/
Television

Source: www.newscientist.com

Understanding Machine Learning in Breast Cancer Prediction – Sciworthy

Posted on March 12, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Cells utilize their internal DNA to produce essential products, such as proteins, through a process termed gene expression. However, scientists and health organizations have identified that gene expression datasets often suffer from inadequate patient samples and excess genes per sample, creating significant challenges in the global fight against cancer. This discrepancy hinders the ability to identify and prioritize critical changes in gene expression that differentiate cancer cells from healthy ones, a phenomenon referred to as the curse of dimensionality.

While machine learning techniques can analyze existing patterns within these expansive datasets to classify samples as cancerous or non-cancerous, this presents additional hurdles. Clinicians are often skeptical of machine learning conclusions due to a lack of understanding regarding model decision-making processes, leading to what is known as the black box problem. Consequently, researchers are striving to develop methodologies that clarify how these models derive their predictions.

A collaborative research team across multiple institutions in Africa concentrated on explicating breast cancer model predictions. They accessed publicly available gene expression data from a global database known as The Cancer Genome Atlas, which compiles data on approximately 20,000 genes from 1,208 breast cancer samples. Their primary objective was to isolate a select few genes from those 20,000 that could reliably predict cancer presence in tissue samples.

Initially, the researchers refined their dataset to 3,602 genes that exhibited differential expression between breast cancer and healthy cells. They then implemented an algorithm to experiment with various gene combinations, aiming to identify the smallest set of genes that consistently yielded promising results. This process is analogous to conducting thousands of mini-races with different runners to determine which runner consistently finishes first, despite all ultimately reaching the finish line.

Subsequently, they utilized diverse machine learning techniques to train and optimize several models based on the expression data of the genes chosen by the algorithm. Remarkably, all models demonstrated high accuracy, predicting cancer status with at least 98% reliability. The next questions arose: “Which genes contribute to model efficacy?” and “How do these genes influence predictions?”

The team employed four distinct statistical interpretation methods known as feature importance techniques to pinpoint the genes most critical to model performance. The first method illustrated how each model’s predictions shifted based on gene expression levels. The second showcased the interplay between multiple genes informing model decisions. The third quantified the overall impact of each gene on the model’s judgement, facilitating a ranked analysis, while the final method evaluated how accurately a single gene could predict breast cancer independently.

Through their analysis, the researchers identified seven genes consistently represented across all trained models and feature importance evaluations. They verified that these genes are associated with biological functions influencing cancer progression, such as tissue repair, regulation of cellular substance transport, and immune response management.

While different models generally agreed on key genes, variations in their exact rankings and influence scores were noted. The researchers explained that biological data is often complex, leading models to interpret various aspects of the same data, suggesting that integrating insights from multiple machine learning models yields superior outcomes compared to depending on a singular model.

The team acknowledged several challenges. The gene selection algorithm required nearly six hours on a high-performance laptop, which may not be practical for larger datasets. They also recognized the potential omission of crucial genes during the selection process. Additionally, despite the extensive dataset, it may not encapsulate the full diversity of breast cancer globally, potentially limiting the model’s applicability across different populations. The researchers concluded that merging machine learning approaches with clear and interpretable methods marks the future of cancer prediction, fostering clinical trust in machine learning-driven insights.

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Source: sciworthy.com

How Early Howler Monkeys Adapted to Leaf-Based Diets 13 Million Years Ago

Posted on March 12, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Discoveries of the Fossilized Jaw of an Ancient Monkey Species Stiltonia victoriae unveil insights from Colombia’s La Victoria Formation, indicating that early primates in South America adapted to leaf consumption, which enabled them to grow larger and explore new ecological niches. This remarkable find may also provide clues about the timeline of when this lineage developed the anatomical traits responsible for the powerful howls seen in today’s howler monkeys.

Howler monkey wearing a cloak (Alouatta palliata) in Panama. Image credit: Ariel Rodriguez-Vargas / CC BY 4.0.

The ancient primate Stiltonia victoriae thrived in what is now Colombia during the Miocene epoch, approximately 13 million years ago.

Dr. Siobhan Cook, a researcher from Johns Hopkins University, stated, “Prior to this discovery, there was no evidence indicating that South American primates consumed leaves.”

This research helps address crucial questions about ecological evolution in one of the Earth’s most biodiverse regions.

“What evolutionary changes occurred in the Amazon rainforest during the existence of these monkeys?”

In their recent study, Cook and colleagues investigated two fossilized mandibles of Stiltonia victoriae from Colombia’s La Victoria Formation in the Tatacoa Desert.

The findings indicate when this ancient monkey developed the ability to eat leaves, expanding its diet beyond fruit. This adaptation enabled it to grow larger and lessen food competition among howler monkeys and other primate species in ancient ecosystems.

“Millions of years ago, ancient monkeys traversed trees in what is now the Tatacoa Desert, once inhabited by wetland grasses, forests, and riverbanks,” said Dr. Cook.

These monkeys coexisted with long-extinct fauna in the Amazon basin, including giant sloths and armored armadillos.

“Before this, fossil findings were scarce. With Stiltonia victoriae, we could only glean knowledge from a few facial and cranial bone fragments,” Cook remarked.

“The latest discoveries not only shed light on their biodiversity and dietary habits but may also provide insight into when howler monkeys developed their distinctive ‘howl’, the loudest vocalization among land mammals.”

The structure of the jaws indicated a broad and deep mandibular body, which may have allowed the hyoid bone to protrude, similar to modern howler monkeys, potentially enabling their iconic calls.

“However, we are still uncertain about their exact behavior,” Dr. Cook added.

Paleontologists employed scans of the jaw fossils to create a 3D model for detailed analysis.

From the structure of the mandibular molars, researchers determined the dietary patterns, size, and distinguishing features of Stiltonia victoriae, comparing it against 3D models of other South American primate fossils, including Stiltonia tatakoensis, a known ancestor of howler monkeys.

They also closely examined the jaws of modern howler monkey ancestors and their relatives, such as spider monkeys and woolly gibbons residing in rainforests.

“Like modern howler monkeys, Stiltonia victoriae possessed relatively large molars with protrusions to act as ‘scissors’ for efficiently grinding carbohydrates, an adaptation common in leaf-eating primates,” said Dr. Cook.

Through their research, the body weight of Stiltonia victoriae was reconstructed, revealing these monkeys weighed between 17 and 22 pounds (8 to 10 kg).

Dr. Cook highlighted, “Previous South American monkeys in the fossil records were significantly smaller. This suggests that for the first time, these monkeys had access to abundant food sources, primarily leaves, enabling them to evolve into a heavier ecological niche.”

This discovery marks the emergence of a large and diverse group of primates in South America.

“We can now accurately trace the origins of various modern lineages.”

These findings will be published in the journal Paleoanthropology.

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Siobhan B. Cook et al. 2026. Mandibular specimen of Stiltonia victoriae from La Victoria Formation, La Venta, Colombia. Paleoanthropology 1: 148-170; doi: 10.48738/2026.iss1.3992

Source: www.sci.news

New Study Reveals Daily Multivitamins May Slow Biological Aging

Posted on March 12, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A recent randomized clinical trial involving older adults revealed that daily multivitamin intake over two years significantly slowed epigenetic markers of aging. This finding translates to an approximate four-month reduction in biological aging when compared to a placebo group.

Lee et al. investigated the effects of a daily multivitamin/multimineral supplement alongside cocoa extract (500 mg cocoa flavanols and 80 mg epicatechin daily) over two years, focusing on five DNA methylation markers of biological aging in 958 participants (482 women and 476 men) from the COSMOS study. Image credit: Li Butov.

Epigenetic clocks measure biological aging by monitoring subtle changes in our DNA.

These clocks play a crucial role in regulating gene expression, tracking specific DNA sites that naturally change with age, and assessing mortality and aging rates.

Dr. Howard Sesso, a researcher at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, stated, “There’s a growing interest in finding ways not only to extend lifespan but to enhance life quality.”

“It was thrilling to observe the beneficial effects of multivitamins related to biological aging markers.”

“This study paves the way for further exploration of safe, accessible interventions that could promote healthier, higher-quality aging.”

The study utilized data from the COcoa Supplement Multivitamins Outcomes Study (COSMOS).

Researchers analyzed DNA methylation data from blood samples of 958 healthy participants with an average chronological age of 70.

Participants were randomly assigned to receive cocoa extract and a multivitamin daily, cocoa extract and a placebo, multivitamins and a placebo, or just a placebo.

Changes in five epigenetic clocks were assessed at the beginning, the end of the first year, and the end of the second year.

Compared to participants in the placebo-only group, those taking multivitamins exhibited delays across all five epigenetic clocks, including significant delays in two clocks indicating mortality predictions.

This reduction corresponds to around four months of biological aging over the two-year period.

Interestingly, those whose biological age exceeded their chronological age benefited the most.

“We aim to conduct follow-up studies to determine if the observed slowing of biological aging persists post-study,” said Dr. Yangbin Dong, a researcher at Augusta University.

“Many individuals take multivitamins without fully understanding their benefits. The more we uncover about these potential health advantages, the better,” Dr. Sesso added.

“Within COSMOS, we are fortunate to compile an extensive resource of biomarker data that can test how specific interventions may mitigate biological aging and related clinical outcomes.”

For further details, refer to the published paper in this week’s edition of Nature Medicine.

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S. Lee et al.. Effects of daily multivitamin/multimineral and cocoa extract supplementation on the epigenetic aging clock in the COSMOS randomized clinical trial. Nat Med published online March 9, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41591-026-04239-3

Source: www.sci.news

Astronomers Observe Dramatic Aftermath of Catastrophic Planetary Collision

Posted on March 11, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

The captivating flickering of the young F-type star, Gaia-20ehk, along with the expanding dust cloud encircling it, indicates a dramatic planetary collision unfolding in real time. This event provides a unique opportunity to observe the violent processes involved in the formation of nascent planetary systems.

A planetary collision around the star Gaia20ehk. Image credit: Andy Tzanidakis.

Located approximately 11,000 light-years from Earth in the constellation Leo, Gaia20ehk is a stable “main sequence” star, typically known for its steady and predictable luminosity. However, since 2016, this star has exhibited violent flickering.

“Initially, the star’s light output was consistent, but it has since dropped by around 3 degrees,” remarked Anastasios (Andy) Tzanidakis, a doctoral candidate at the University of Washington. “By 2021, the situation escalated dramatically.”

“Such behavior is unexpected for stars like our Sun. When we observed this, we thought, ‘What could be happening here?'”

The flickering of Gaia20ehk is not due to the star itself. Instead, it is caused by a cloud of rocks and dust obstructing the light as it orbits the system.

The astounding source of this debris appears to be a catastrophic planetary collision.

“It’s remarkable that multiple telescopes captured this impact in real time,” Tzanidakis stated.

“There are only a handful of documented planetary collisions, and none possess as many parallels to the impacts that formed Earth and the Moon.”

“Observing similar events in other parts of the galaxy could significantly enhance our understanding of our planet’s formation.”

Additionally, evidence suggests this impact may closely resemble the one that created the Earth and Moon approximately 4.5 billion years ago.

This dust cloud orbits Gaia20ehk at about 1 astronomical unit, the same distance from its star as Earth is from the Sun.

At this distance, materials could eventually cool and solidify into structures akin to the Earth-Moon system.

“How rare was the event that shaped the Earth and Moon? This inquiry is essential to the field of astrobiology,” commented James Davenport, a professor at the University of Washington.

“The Moon seems to play a crucial role in making Earth a habitable place, shielding it from some asteroids, influencing ocean tides and weather patterns, and potentially even facilitating geological activity.”

“Currently, the prevalence of these dynamics remains uncertain, but as we observe more collisions, we will gain clearer insights.”

The team’s research paper will be published in today’s Astrophysical Journal Letters.

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Anastasios Zanidakis & James R.A. Davenport. 2026. Gaia-GIC-1: Evolving catastrophic planetesimal impact candidate. APJL 1000, L5; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/ae3ddc

Source: www.sci.news

King Penguins Thrive in Warming Climate: A Glimpse into Their Uncertain Future

Posted on March 11, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Two king penguins sing in the middle of a colony on Possession Island, a French territory in the southern Indian Ocean.

Gael Baldon (CSM/CNRS/IPEV)

King penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus) are thriving in the changing subantarctic climate. As temperatures rise, the survival rates of chicks reaching adulthood are also on the rise. While these penguins appear to be benefiting from climate change, researchers caution that they may eventually face challenges in accessing essential food sources.

In 2023, king penguin chicks on French Possession Island began hatching approximately 19 days earlier than in 2000. With a longer breeding season, the survival rate of chicks has increased to an average of 62%, compared to 44% in 2000, as reported by Gael Bardon from the Monaco Science Center and colleagues.

“King penguins are showing rapid changes that seem positive in the short term, but the long-term effects are still uncertain,” said Burdon.

Each summer, a pair of king penguins, easily recognized by their bright yellow-orange neck feathers, tend to a single egg, which hatches into a fluffy brown chick about two months later. After laying eggs, the parents leave the chicks on the island and swim hundreds of kilometers south to the polar front, where warm and cold currents create a nutrient-rich environment for plankton growth. The penguins catch small lanternfish that feed on this plankton and return to nourish their young.

Warmer waters may boost lanternfish populations. The study suggests that the early breeding of king penguins correlates with rising sea surface temperatures and decreasing plankton concentrations, indicating potential increases in lanternfish availability.

Burdon explained that this early breeding gives chicks more time to feed and gain weight before the challenging winter months, thus reducing the risk of starvation.

Although the Possession Island population appears stable due to improved chick survival, there may be penguins migrating to other islands, leading to population growth in new colonies.

A flock of king penguins on Possession Island

Gael Baldon (CSM/CNRS/IPEV)

Team members emphasize that the king penguin’s shift to early breeding is occurring faster than that of most polar species, serving as a “wake-up call” regarding environmental changes. Celine le Bohec from the Monaco Science Center shared these insights.

In recent years, abnormal warmth has caused the polar front to shift south, compelling king penguins to travel farther for food, resulting in declining chick survival and potential population decreases on Possession Island. Without islands beyond Possession Island for migration, the penguins are forced to expand their foraging areas. A study indicated that this population could diminish in the coming decades if the polar front continues to shift southward gradually. Research also suggests compromising food availability could be a critical issue.

“Rapid changes that extend the breeding cycle are favorable, but food availability on the polar frontier may collapse if colonies distance themselves too far,” cautions Le Bohec. “We risk reaching a tipping point.”

On the optimistic side, some researchers like Lewis Halsey, a professor at the University of Roehampton, UK, noted the resilience of penguins on Possession Island after the 2004 mini-tsunami. He highlighted that penguins also consume other nearby foods, such as squid, suggesting that while populations may decline, extinction is unlikely. “They demonstrate remarkable flexibility, indicating that a collapse is improbable.”

Scientists had hoped that the king penguin’s reproductive stability would hold as they adapted to climate changes, and the actual improvement in reproduction is a promising sign, according to Tom Hart from Oxford Brookes University, UK.

“This is encouraging news. Although conditions can change, king penguins are currently outperforming many of their counterparts in overall penguin populations, which are generally declining,” he remarked. “This is a rare success story.”

Churchill Polar Bear Adventures: Canada

Embark on a journey to Churchill in northern Canada, known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,” and experience the highest concentration of these iconic Arctic predators. Discover their evolutionary history, observe their natural behavior, and understand the delicate balance of the Arctic ecosystem firsthand.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Revolutionary Small Magnet Matches Strength of Large Magnets for the First Time

Posted on March 11, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Even Small Magnets Can Be Extremely Powerful

ResonX/Jasmin Schoenzart

In a groundbreaking development, researchers have designed a magnet small enough to fit in your palm that rivals the strength of the world’s most powerful magnets.

High-performance magnets are crucial in various scientific fields, being utilized in applications ranging from MRI machines and particle accelerators to advanced nuclear fusion research. The strongest magnets available typically use superconductors, which are materials that conduct electricity nearly without loss.

However, most superconducting magnets are sizable. Often, their smaller counterparts share similar dimensions with traditional superconductors. Take for instance Star Wars‘ R2D2; at its largest, it resembles a two-story structure. According to Dr. Alexander Burns from ETH Zurich, Switzerland, his team has engineered a superconducting magnet capable of matching the strength of larger counterparts, yet it’s only 3.1 millimeters in diameter. They achieved this by coiling a thin tape made of a ceramic known as REBCO, which becomes superconducting at cryogenic temperatures, generating a magnetic field when current flows through the coils.

Dr. Burns stated that the team procured REBCO tape from a commercial source, embarking on a rigorous exploration to determine the optimal magnet design, which involved creating and testing over 150 prototypes. “We adopted a ‘fail fast, fail often’ approach in our strategy,” he noted.

Design and Strength Comparison

Eventually, they refined a design using two or four pancake-shaped coils, achieving magnetic field strengths of 38 Tesla and 42 Tesla, respectively. To provide context, conventional refrigerator magnets typically generate fields less than 0.01 Tesla. The most powerful magnets currently in existence generate field strengths of around 45 Tesla, each weighing several tons and consuming up to 30 megawatts of power. In contrast, Burns and his team’s magnet is hand-sized and operates on less than 1 watt.

The ultimate goal for this groundbreaking technology is to enhance nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), a technique that utilizes magnetic fields to unveil molecular structures, including those of drugs and industrial catalysts. This technology has long been hindered by the large size and cost of traditional magnets, but the research team intends to democratize access to such advanced tools for chemists. Ongoing tests are being conducted to integrate the magnet into NMR setups.

“Historically, achieving magnetic fields exceeding 40 Tesla necessitated massive and costly facilities, making it crucial to utilize superconducting tape to attain similar strengths in a compact device,” stated Dr. Mark Ainslie from King’s College London. “This innovation indicates that ultra-high-field magnets may soon be accessible to a broader range of laboratories.”

Despite these advancements, several challenges remain before widespread adoption. Questions concerning how to maintain uniform magnetic fields and manage the electromagnetic behavior of the coils must be addressed.

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Study Reveals Raccoons Solve Puzzles for Fun, Not Just for Food

Posted on March 11, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A groundbreaking study led by University of British Columbia Ph.D. student, Hannah Griebling, reveals that raccoons (Procyon lotor) continue to engage with complex puzzle boxes long after securing their only marshmallow reward. This behavior suggests that these clever animals are driven by an inherent desire for information, a trait that may contribute to their remarkable adaptability in urban environments.

Multi-access puzzle box showcasing easy (a), medium (b), and difficult (c) solutions. Image credit: Griebling et al., doi: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2026.123491.

In this innovative study, Griebling and her team employed custom multi-access puzzle boxes equipped with various mechanisms, including latches, sliding doors, and knobs. These boxes featured nine entry points, categorized as easy, medium, and difficult.

During each 20-minute trial, the puzzle box contained a single marshmallow; however, the raccoons frequently pursued additional mechanisms even after consuming the treat, signaling their quest for knowledge.

“We were surprised to observe all three solution types being utilized in a single trial,” Griebling remarked.

“Even after the marshmallows were gone, they continued to tackle the puzzle.”

When faced with easier tasks, the raccoons explored multiple openings, mixing up their approach while covering a broad area.

As the difficulty increased, they favored reliable solutions but still demonstrated flexible problem-solving abilities, exploring various solutions even in the most challenging scenarios.

“This behavior highlights the classic trade-off between curiosity and potential risk,” Griebling noted.

Raccoons adapted their strategies based on perceived costs and risks, similar to decision-making patterns observed in other animals and humans.

“It’s akin to the common dilemma of choosing a dish at a restaurant,” Griebling explained. “Do you stick with your favorite or try something adventurous? If the risk is high—like an expensive meal you may dislike—you opt for the safe choice.”

“Raccoons tend to explore when costs are minimal and quickly play it safe once the stakes rise.”

This research sheds light on why raccoons thrive in urban areas. Their success can be attributed to cognitive and physical traits that make them well-adapted to city life.

With front limbs rich in sensory nerves for foraging in rivers, they are particularly skilled at manipulating locks and handles, often similar to those used by humans.

By solving problems related to information access—not merely food—raccoons gain advantages in complex environments, facilitating their ability to access trash cans and other food sources.

“Understanding cognitive traits that empower raccoons can inform strategies for managing struggling species and provide insights for other animals, such as bears, that utilize problem-solving to access engineered resources,” Griebling asserted.

The experiment was conducted with raccoons in a research facility in Colorado; however, earlier studies have indicated that wild raccoons exhibit comparable problem-solving capabilities, though researchers caution that their behaviors may differ.

“Raccoon intelligence has long captivated folklore, yet scientific research into their cognitive abilities remains relatively nascent,” stated Sarah Benson-Amram, also from the University of British Columbia.

“Research like this provides empirical validation for that reputation.”

The team’s results were published in the Journal of Animal Behavior on February 27, 2026.

_____

Hannah J. Griebling et al. 2026. Raccoons optimally gather information: The exploration-exploitation tradeoff in innovation. Animal Behavior 234: 123491; doi: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2026.123491.

Source: www.sci.news

Astronomers Discover Neutron Star Collision in Surprising Cosmic Environment

Posted on March 11, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers have utilized NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory along with other advanced telescopes to investigate a transient gamma-ray burst event known as GRB 230906A. This burst originated from a faint dwarf galaxy hidden within a vast flow of intergalactic gas. The discovery indicates that neutron star mergers—violent collisions responsible for producing heavy elements like gold and platinum—can occur far away from the luminous centers of galaxies, which may elucidate why some bursts appear to lack a defined host galaxy.

GRB 230906A originated in a small galaxy in a gas stream approximately 4.7 billion light-years from Earth. Image credit: NASA / CXC / Pennsylvania State University / S. Dichiara / ESA / STScI / ERC BHianca 2026 / Fortuna and Dichiara, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 / SAO / P. Edmonds.

A neutron star is the remnants left after a massive star depletes its nuclear fuel, collapses, and violently explodes.

Despite their compact size, neutron stars possess a mass greater than our Sun and are incredibly dense.

These celestial bodies are considered among the most extreme entities in the universe.

In recent years, astronomers have gathered evidence of neutron star mergers occurring within larger galaxies.

However, this recent revelation highlights that neutron star collisions can also take place within smaller galaxies.

“Discovering a neutron star collision in such an unexpected location is a pivotal moment for our field,” stated Dr. Simone DiChiara, an astronomer from Pennsylvania State University.

“This finding may hold the key to resolving two significant mysteries in astrophysics.”

The first question this groundbreaking neutron star collision site may clarify is why gamma-ray bursts from neutron star mergers often do not appear at the central regions of galaxies.

The second mystery this discovery could illuminate concerns the presence of heavy elements like gold and platinum in stars located far from a galaxy’s core.

This neutron star collision is intriguingly situated in a gas stream spanning approximately 600,000 light-years, originating from a diminutive galaxy about 4.7 billion light-years away.

This gas flow likely emerged hundreds of millions of years ago during a galactic collision that stripped gas and dust from the involved galaxies, leaving remnants in intergalactic space.

“Our discovery reveals a collision within a collision,” remarked Dr. Eleonora Troja of the University of Rome.

“The merging of galaxies instigated a surge of star formation, ultimately leading to the birth and subsequent collision of neutron stars over millions of years.”

To identify the GRB 230906A phenomenon, which occurred on September 6, 2023, astronomers employed multiple NASA telescopes, including the Chandra X-ray Observatory, Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, and the Hubble Space Telescope.

Fermi detected neutron star collisions by recognizing the characteristic gamma-ray burst (GRB) signals.

Following initial location analysis by the interplanetary network, the precise location of the object was further defined using the advanced observational capabilities of Chandra, Swift, and Hubble.

NASA’s initiative is part of a growing global network dedicated to monitoring cosmic phenomena to uncover the secrets of the universe.

“Chandra’s pinpoint accuracy in X-ray localization made this research possible,” said Dr. Brendan O’Connor, a postdoctoral fellow at Carnegie Mellon University.

“Without this data, connecting the burst to a specific cosmic source would have been unattainable.”

“Once Chandra provided us with a precise location, Hubble’s exceptional sensitivity unveiled a small, faint galaxy in that area.”

“We managed to achieve this groundbreaking discovery by synergizing various research elements.”

This insight might elucidate why certain GRBs seem to lack identifiable host galaxies.

It suggests that some host galaxies may be too diminutive to be discerned in standard optical surveys conducted by ground-based observatories.

GRB 230906A’s unusual positioning could also contribute to the understanding of how astronomers found heavy elements like gold and platinum in stars situated far from their galaxy centers.

These stars are generally believed to have formed from older gas that had less opportunity to accumulate heavy elements from supernova events.

Collisions between neutron stars can synthesize heavy elements, including gold and platinum, via various nuclear reactions, similar to those observed in a well-documented neutron star collision from 2017.

Events like GRB 230906A can produce such elements that eventually disperse throughout the galactic outskirts and can appear in future generations of stars.

Another potential explanation for this explosion is its positioning within a more distant galaxy located behind the cluster of galaxies.

“We consider this a less likely explanation compared to the presence of small galaxies,” the researchers concluded.

This groundbreaking finding is detailed in the research paper published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.

_____

S. Dichiara et al. 2026. A merger within a merger: Chandra identifies short GRB 230906A in exceptional circumstances. APJL 999, L42; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/ae2a2f

Source: www.sci.news

Startup Innovates with First Data Center Powered by Human Brain Cells

Posted on March 11, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Exploring Biological Computers

Floriana/Getty Images

Close-up of an artificial brain illustrating neural activity and orange light dots, representing artificial intelligence. Synapses and neurons are crafted from cubic particles rendered in 3D format. — Exploring Biological Computers

Floriana/Getty Images

As energy demands soar in data centers and the need for chips intensifies, could biological cells offer a solution? Australian startup Cortical Labs is pioneering this concept by establishing two innovative biological data centers in Melbourne and Singapore. These facilities will utilize chips populated with reproducible neurons for data processing.

Cortical Labs stands out as a leader in the emerging field of biological computing, using nerve cells linked to microelectrode arrays to both stimulate and record cellular responses during data input. Recently, the company showcased its flagship computer, the CL1, demonstrating its ability to learn to play games like Doom within a week.

The Melbourne data center is set to feature approximately 120 CL1 units, while a collaboration with the National University of Singapore will launch with 20 units, aiming for a total of 1,000 CL1s, pending regulatory approval. This ambitious expansion is designed to enhance their cloud-based brain computing services.

Michael Barros from the University of Essex remarks, “Biological computers like CL1 have been developed by multiple research teams globally but pose construction challenges for widespread adoption.” He continues, “Cortical Labs is making biocomputers more accessible, set to be the first company to do this at scale.”

These biological systems can be trained for tasks like playing Doom, although understanding the optimal training methods for neurons remains a complex issue. Reinhold Scherer, also from the University of Essex, notes, “Having access can facilitate explorations in learning and programming, yet neurons cannot be programmed as traditional computers.”

Moreover, Cortical Labs asserts that its biological data centers are significantly more energy-efficient than conventional computing systems, with each CL1 unit consuming just 30 watts compared to thousands of watts used by state-of-the-art AI chips.

Paul Roach from Loughborough University highlights that scaling up these systems to function like traditional data servers could lead to remarkable energy savings, even if they require nutrients to sustain the neuron chips. However, the cooling requirements are expected to be much lower than in traditional setups, indicating considerable power conservation according to Cortical Labs’ estimates.

Yet, the technology is still nascent. Tjeerd Olde Scheper, who has collaborated with a competitor, FinalSpark, poses questions about efficacy, stating, “We’re still in early development stages.” He emphasizes that transitioning from a small network managing simple tasks to a larger-scale language model is a substantial leap.

A primary challenge remains: the capacity to save training outcomes and utilize these neurons for computational algorithms beyond specific tasks like gaming. Retraining these neurons after their life cycle is another hurdle, as Scherer points out, “If retraining is needed every month, longevity of use becomes an issue.”

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Why Global Militaries Are Competing to Develop Their Own Starlink Satellites

Posted on March 11, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Diagram of Starlink’s 10,000 satellites

xnk/Shutterstock

Starlink’s satellite constellation delivers reliable internet connectivity to nearly every corner of the Earth, enhancing operational capabilities in modern military applications. However, the network is overseen by the controversial billionaire Elon Musk, posing potential challenges for military reliance on external internet services.

Comprising approximately 10,000 satellites, the Starlink network facilitates internet access through small terrestrial dishes, reportedly serving over 10 million paying civilian clients. The system is also essential for military operations, which rely heavily on data, high-definition video feeds, and drone controls around the clock.

In contrast to traditional radio systems that can be easily jammed, Starlink’s signals are sent directly into space from ground stations, making them more resilient. Additionally, the affordable receivers enable deployment by small military units and are compatible with both ground and airborne drones.

Given escalating global tensions and nations vying for control over critical technologies, such as nuclear deterrents, relying on foreign services like Starlink for military communication is increasingly seen as a vulnerability, especially under Musk’s unpredictable stewardship.

During the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia since the 2022 invasion, Starlink has proven invaluable. Reports indicate that Russian drones were guided using Starlink technology; however, access to the service was restricted for Russian military operations in February, significantly impacting their operational coordination. This situation temporarily favored Ukraine, illustrating the risks other nations face in relying on a foreign-controlled satellite network.

The European Union is currently developing an alternative system known as Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity, and Security through Satellites (IRIS²), which aims to deploy around 300 satellites by 2030. Meanwhile, China is working on a similar project, the Guowang Network, expected to comprise 13,000 satellites, although fewer than 200 are operational at present. The Qianho Constellation is also in its initial building phase, and Russia’s Sfera Constellation has encountered delays.

Additionally, individual European nations are pursuing independent satellite initiatives apart from the EU umbrella. Germany is in talks to construct its own network, while Britain invests in Eutelsat OneWeb, a crucial satellite internet provider that previously avoided bankruptcy due to its technology. A British startup, OpenCosmos, is also developing a comparable system, supported by the CIA.

According to Anthony King, a professor at Exeter University in the UK, it’s remarkable that private telecommunications companies wield so much influence in global conflicts, often determining tactical advantages. However, with the rise of superpowers, future secure satellite communications will likely evolve. “Certainly, China is advancing their capabilities,” he remarked, emphasizing that secure satellite communication will become vital in future military scenarios.

Rising Costs

Although Starlink is a private entity, Barry Evans from the University of Surrey highlights the availability of a secure military version known as StarShield, which is partly funded by the U.S. government because of its strategic importance.

“Dependence on private entities raises concerns in Europe,” Evans noted. “With Musk’s unpredictable shutoff times across different regions, this uncertainty is especially worrisome for the UK, given its insufficiency of funds to develop an independent system.”

Currently, Russia and China lag behind Starlink, which operates under the wholly owned rocket company SpaceX, enabling more economical satellite launches on a flexible schedule, according to Evans.

Building expansive satellite networks incurs massive initial costs, but ongoing maintenance and regular satellite launches are essential to replace those that fail or exhaust their fuel reserves, complicating sustainability. The UK lacks independent launch capabilities, implying reliance on external partners for its satellite constellation.

Ian Muirhead at Manchester University, who has extensive military communications experience, explains that militaries have transitioned from using radios to temporary cell networks for combat communication. However, following the Cold War, shaping such networks became prohibitively costly, leading military operations to opt for satellite communications instead. Starlink simplifies this process, providing higher capabilities at lower costs and complexities.

“Moreover, when considering space warfare, there are benefits arising from the multitude of satellites,” Muirhead added. “It’s difficult to neutralize a satellite system since they constantly orbit overhead.”

SpaceX did not respond to a request for comment.

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

How Parkinson’s Disease Affects Your Ability to Enjoy Pleasurable Scents

Posted on March 11, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Investigating the Olfactory Response to Citrus for Diagnosing Parkinson’s Disease

Getty Images

Research indicates that individuals with Parkinson’s disease often struggle to enjoy pleasant aromas, such as that of lemons. This intriguing finding suggests that “the world smells different” for those affected, presenting a potential opportunity for healthcare professionals to diagnose Parkinson’s disease using a cost-effective and non-invasive method, which traditionally requires several years and extensive evaluations.

The inability to detect scents is a primary symptom of Parkinson’s disease, affecting 75-90% of patients and frequently manifesting years or even decades prior to the characteristic tremors. Although numerous efforts have aimed to utilize olfactory loss as a diagnostic criterion, challenges arise since this sensory decline also occurs with normal aging.

Recently, Professor Noam Sobel and his team at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, adopted a novel method of examining odor perception.

The study involved 94 participants, primarily aged 50 to 70. Among them, 33 were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, another 33 reported no known medical issues, while 28 were affected by anosmia not related to Parkinson’s. Standardized tests and surveys were employed to evaluate the participants’ ability to recognize and identify odors.

A unique feature of the study was the assessment of so-called olfactory fingerprints. Participants rated the intensity and pleasantness of scents from three bottles: one with a high concentration of lemon-scented citral, another containing a mix of compounds that emitted a feces-like odor, and a third bottle that was empty.

All tests observed periods of reduced olfactory ability, but only the olfactory perceptual fingerprint successfully differentiated between those with anosmia and individuals with Parkinson’s disease, achieving an impressive 88 percent accuracy. This accuracy rose to 94% when participants were matched by age and gender.

Interestingly, individuals with Parkinson’s disease reported perceiving citrus scents as equally strong compared to a healthy group, though both scent-related issues considered had lower comfort ratings than the healthy participants. Notably, those with Parkinson’s sniffed nearly 2 percent longer in response to unpleasant odors than lemon scents, while the other groups exhibited a decline in sniffing duration by 11 to 12 percent.

Sobel and his colleagues hypothesize that while the olfactory system remains functional in people with Parkinson’s disease, their brains interpret these signals differently, resulting in reduced enjoyment of pleasant scents and an involuntary sniffing response that is disconnected from the aroma’s pleasantness.

This phenomenon likely relates to alterations in brain regions like the anterior olfactory nucleus, which diminishes when odor signals are lost and is believed to be one of the initial sites of brain pathology in Parkinson’s disease.

Distinguishing between aging-related anosmia and that caused by Parkinson’s is immensely valuable. Michał Pieniak from the Smell and Taste Clinic at the Technical University of Dresden, Germany, highlights that around one in ten individuals seeking help for lost smell may, in fact, develop Parkinson’s disease. “If we can refine the identification of their personal risk, it would be a major breakthrough.”

Charles Greer, a professor at Yale University School of Medicine, asserts that this innovative method shows remarkable potential but emphasizes the necessity for further testing with a larger population. Given that olfactory loss can precede other Parkinson’s symptoms by years, it may take considerable time to fully evaluate this approach.

Topics:

Feelings/
Parkinson’s Disease

Source: www.newscientist.com

Can You Tell If These Faces Are AI-Generated? Experts Are Stumped!

Posted on March 11, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

According to a new study by researchers at UNSW Sydney and Australian National University (ANU), many individuals exhibit overconfidence in identifying AI-generated faces.

The research, published in the British Journal of Psychology, involved 125 participants, including 36 “super-recognizers” and 89 control participants.

Super-recognizers, a unique group constituting 1 to 2 percent of the population, possess an exceptional memory for faces. They can recognize individuals they’ve met briefly years ago, identify familiar faces even after significant changes in appearance, and pick out background actors in films and TV shows that others typically overlook.

During an online assessment, both super-recognizers and control participants were tasked with determining whether a series of faces were real or AI-generated.

“We aimed to explore whether super-recognizers are adept at detecting AI-generated faces,” says Dr. James Dunn, a researcher at UNSW School of Psychology, in an interview with BBC Science Focus.

The outcome? Yes, they did perform better, but only marginally compared to controls, who themselves operated just above chance. Control participants averaged 50.7% accuracy, while super-recognizers achieved 57.3%.

The researchers were surprised to find the slight impact of being a super-recognizer on AI face detection abilities.

In fact, some control participants outshone super-recognizers, indicating the potential existence of “super AI face detectors” with specialized capabilities for identifying artificial faces.

In this facial recognition test reproduction, six faces are real and six are AI-generated. Can you discern the difference? The answer is at the end. – Image credit: UNSW Sydney/Adobe Stock Images

However, one consistent finding among all participants was their overconfidence in their abilities, even when results indicated otherwise.

Researchers caution that such overconfidence could make individuals more susceptible to fraud and false identities on social media, dating platforms, and professional networks.

While AI-generated images previously featured quirky distortions—like extra limbs and mismatched backgrounds—advancements in technology have now made them nearly indistinguishable from real images.

So, how can you enhance your AI recognition skills?

“Ironically, cutting-edge AI is often misidentified not by its mistakes but by its uncanny ability to appear almost perfect,” stated Dr. Amy Dowell, a psychologist at ANU. “Rather than displaying obvious flaws, it tends to conform to averages, exuding symmetry, proportion, and statistical typicality.

“It truly seems too good to be true.”

Do you think you can improve your skills? Participate in a demo of the recognition test here.

For the image above: Surfaces 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, and 11 are AI-generated.

Read More:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Revolutionary One-Dose Treatment Promises to Reverse Frailty

Posted on March 11, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A single dose of stem cells can significantly enhance physical endurance in older adults experiencing frailty. According to 1 in 10 people over the age of 65 are affected by this condition, as highlighted by a recent study published in the journal Cell Stem Cells.

The randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigated four escalating doses of laromestrocel, a treatment derived from donated bone marrow, in 148 adults aged 70 to 85 who were diagnosed with frailty.

After nine months, participants receiving the highest dose walked an average of 60 meters further than those given a placebo during a standard six-minute walk test, reflecting a remarkable 20% improvement.

“The results were astonishing,” said Dr. Joshua Hare, chief scientific officer of Ronnebellon, the company behind the treatment. He emphasized, “We noted a clear correlation based on dosage over time; higher doses led to a more pronounced increase in the six-minute walk test.”

Frailty is a prevalent but often misunderstood medical condition characterized by heightened vulnerability to stressors such as infections, falls, and surgical procedures, significantly beyond what is typically expected from normal aging.

This condition includes decreased muscle strength and endurance, leading to a sharply increased risk of disability, hospitalization, and mortality. According to the British Geriatrics Society, individuals with severe frailty are five times more likely to die within a year compared to those without frailty.

“When you observe 80-year-olds, some require 24-hour care in nursing homes, while others lead vibrant lives, participating in activities like tennis and golf,” Hare noted. “The biological differences play a crucial role.”

Hare suggests that inflammation, often exacerbated by age-related factors, is a significant contributor. As individuals age, their immune systems become dysregulated, with higher levels of inflammatory signaling molecules known as cytokines.

This chronic inflammation can damage blood vessels, deplete stem cell reserves, and accelerate muscle loss, culminating in a condition known as sarcopenia.

The result is frailty; the body becomes less capable of self-repair and responding to physical or medical stressors.

Current treatments primarily focus on nutritional support and physical therapy.

“Typical interventions are rather straightforward,” Hare explained. “We recognized the need to address this at a biological level, as we understand the underlying issues.”

Mesenchymal stem cells, naturally found in bone marrow and other tissues, are of great scientific interest due to their immune-modulating capabilities.

Importantly, these cells possess minimal surface proteins responsible for immune rejection, minimizing the need for immunosuppressive drugs—an important consideration for vulnerable patients.

Participants receiving the highest dose of stem cells achieved a remarkable 20% improvement in a six-minute walk test – Photo credit: Getty

Hare and his team harvested stem cells from donated bone marrow and administered them intravenously to participants, who were either given a placebo or one of four doses of lalometrocel in a double-blind setup.

The results, monitored every three months over nine months, clearly indicated that increased stem cell doses significantly enhanced walking distance. Conversely, the placebo group exhibited expected declines in physical performance typical of frail individuals aged 75 and older.

Patient-reported outcomes from questionnaires assessing physical performance, upper body strength, and mobility confirmed improvements that aligned with objective measurements from the walk tests. Participants also showed progress on a doctor-rated frailty scale ranging from 1 (most frail) to 9 (least frail).

“One-third of treated participants achieved health scores of 2 or 3,” Hare stated, indicating they were no longer deemed frail.

Researchers identified soluble Tie2 as a potential biological marker for therapeutic efficacy, a protein released into the bloodstream upon inflammation or breakdown of blood vessel walls. Patients receiving stem cells showed decreasing levels of this marker in a dose-dependent manner.

“This evidence suggests that medical interventions can potentially reverse frailty,” stated Dr. Andrew Steele, Director of the Longevity Initiative. He highlighted the challenge of achieving physical activity in frail individuals and celebrated the remarkable potential of stem cell infusions to not only slow decline but also to foster tangible improvement.

Nonetheless, the study raises key questions. The wide-ranging effects of stem cells leave uncertainties about the exact mechanisms at play.

“These cells might be targeting areas where they are most needed and regenerating cells,” said Steele. “Alternatively, they could be releasing a mix of anti-aging molecules that rejuvenate the body’s own cells.”

The follow-up period lasted nine months, leaving questions regarding the sustainability of improvements and the effectiveness of repeated doses.

Hare’s team has conducted long-term trials with multiple doses, showing preliminary evidence that participants improve without side effects and maintain benefits, though the evidence lacks robustness compared to controlled trials. Formal studies on repeat dosing are on the horizon.

Furthermore, significant regulatory challenges loom. Currently, frailty is not recognized as a disease by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the European Food and Drug Administration, complicating the approval process.

“It will be a tough fight,” Hare cautioned, adding that the approval pathway for laromestrocel could be expedited for Alzheimer’s disease, with promising results in related clinical trials evidenced in another study.

“We believe treatments for age-related frailty will likely be approved alongside those for Alzheimer’s, given that the latter is a well-defined condition with pressing unmet needs.”

To date, the trials indicate promise, presenting strong evidence that frailty is not an inevitable consequence of aging but a biological process that can be at least partially reversed.

“Human lifespan has nearly doubled in the last 120 years,” Hare remarked. “However, healthy life expectancy hasn’t progressed at the same pace. There will always be an end-of-life phase marked by disability and frailty.”

If progress continues, the gap between lifespan and healthy living could finally begin to close.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Are You Harming Your Teeth Every Night? Discover the Hidden Dangers!

Posted on March 11, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

The medical term for teeth grinding during sleep, known as sleep bruxism, is surprisingly common. Many individuals engage in this unconscious behavior without even realizing it.

It’s estimated that up to 8-10% of adults will experience this condition at some point in their lives.

While the exact causes of sleep bruxism remain unclear, several factors are believed to contribute. Stress and anxiety often serve as significant triggers, causing your body to unconsciously tense muscles during sleep.

Other contributing factors include misaligned teeth, certain medications (such as some antidepressants), consumption of caffeine or alcohol, and sleep disorders like sleep apnea.

In fact, research indicates a high correlation between sleep bruxism and obstructive sleep apnea, a condition where the airway intermittently becomes blocked during sleep, leading to respiratory arrest and disrupted sleep patterns. Approximately half of individuals with sleep apnea exhibit signs of teeth grinding during sleep studies. This study suggests that the relationship between these two conditions may be influenced by shared neurological mechanisms affecting jaw and airway muscle activity during sleep.

Recognizing the Signs of Teeth Grinding

Although teeth grinding occurs unconsciously while you sleep, certain signs may indicate that you are grinding or clenching your teeth. Nighttime clenching can lead to headaches, jaw pain, tooth wear, and even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues.

Symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder can include:

Jaw, ear, and temple pain: Discomfort may arise in these areas, accompanied by clicking or grinding sounds when moving your jaw.
Morning headaches: Tension from clenching can result in headaches near the temples.
Worn or cracked teeth: Teeth may become unusually flat, chipped, or sensitive.
Jaw functionality issues: Clicking, popping, or difficulty moving your jaw may signal stress in your TMJ.
Earache-like pain: You may experience discomfort around your ears or cheeks.
Loud grinding sounds: Your partner may hear you grinding or clenching your teeth during sleep.
Mouth injuries: Look for small bites or irritation on your cheeks and tongue.

If you discover that you are grinding your teeth, you might be wondering how to stop.

If your jaw hurts in the morning, you may be grinding your teeth while you sleep – Photo credit: Getty

Strategies to Reduce Teeth Grinding

To alleviate or completely stop teeth grinding, consider addressing lifestyle factors. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), meditation, and gentle yoga before bedtime can be beneficial. Additionally, limiting alcohol and caffeine, along with maintaining regular sleep habits, may help.

Improving your overall sleep quality can also reduce instances of teeth grinding. Studies indicate that poor sleep quality is often associated with more frequent grinding incidents.

If discomfort is a concern, over-the-counter pain relief and cold compresses (like an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for 20-30 minutes) can help alleviate pain and swelling. Engaging in jaw exercises, light stretching, and adjusting your sleeping position may also provide relief.

Research has shown that targeted physical therapy can improve TMJ function and decrease pain related to teeth grinding.

If your symptoms persist or become significantly painful, consulting a dentist is crucial. They can diagnose underlying issues, provide a custom night guard, and refer you to additional treatments such as physical therapy or specialized dental care.

If your teeth grinding is linked to sleep apnea or other sleep disorders, a sleep specialist may suggest further evaluation, as treating the root sleep issue can reduce teeth grinding intensity. With consistent care and lifestyle adjustments, most individuals can reduce the frequency and severity of sleep bruxism, protect their teeth, and alleviate discomfort.

This article addresses the question (from Alex Jevons of Leeds): “How do I stop clenching my jaw at night?”

For questions, please email questions@sciencefocus.com or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (include your name and location).

For more amazing science insights, visit our Ultimate Fun Facts page.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

VLT Unearths Third Gas Cloud Near Milky Way’s Central Black Hole

Posted on March 11, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

The newly discovered gas cloud, known as G2t, shares an almost identical orbit with two previously identified clouds, indicating that they may have originated from a pair of massive stars situated near the Milky Way’s core.

This VLT image illustrates the stars and gas surrounding Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way. Image credit: ESO/D. Ribeiro, MPE GC Team.

“This is a dynamic environment where stars and gas clouds orbiting the black hole move at astonishing speeds,” remarked Dr. Stefan Gillessen from the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics.

“While the gas clouds G1 and G2 were previously known, their origins and compositions remained subjects of debate.”

“Specifically, questions arose about whether these clouds contained hidden stars or were purely gaseous.”

“With the identification of G2t, we are starting to unravel these mysteries.”

G2t was detected using the High-Resolution Imager and Spectrograph (ERIS) on the ESO’s Very Large Telescope (VLT).

“Thanks to the VLT, we successfully measured the 3D orbit of this gas cloud around the black hole,” the team explained.

“G2t traverses a remarkably small area within this expansive image of the center.”

“Interestingly, G1, G2, and G2t are found to have nearly identical orbits, albeit slightly tilted in relation to one another.”

“The odds of different stars maintaining such similar orbits are minimal, further suggesting that each cloud does not harbor a star at its core.”

“These orbital similarities indicate that all three clouds likely stem from the same source, most probably IRS16SW, a pair of massive stars that discharge substantial quantities of gas.”

“As IRS16SW moves around the black hole, each gas cloud is ejected on a slightly different trajectory, explaining the subtle variations observed among the ‘G-triplets.’

“This finding highlights that despite years of observing our galaxy’s center, fresh enigmas await discovery,” the researchers noted.

“What could be more thrilling than a mystery poised to be unraveled?”

For more about this discovery, refer to the paper published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.

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S. Gillessen et al. 2026. Gas streamer G1-2-3 at the center of the galaxy. A&A 707, A79; doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/202555808

Source: www.sci.news

Are Killer Whales Responsible for Mass Dolphin Strandings?

Posted on March 11, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Dolphin Stranded in San Antonio Bay, Argentina

In a shocking event, hundreds of dolphins found themselves trapped in Argentina while trying to escape relentless killer whales, highlighting a troubling situation for marine wildlife.

Footage shared on social media and various citizen science platforms has played a crucial role in helping experts understand the underlying causes of two significant mass strandings that occurred in recent years. According to Magdalena Arias from the Argentine National Council for Scientific and Technological Research, “This does not mean that predators are always to blame for mass strandings; however, it indicates that predator-prey dynamics can trigger such events under certain conditions, particularly when influenced by coastal geography, water currents, and the dolphins’ cohesive social behavior.”

Marine mammals have been experiencing mass mortality for millennia, yet scientists continue to debate the reasons behind this phenomenon. Potential causes include human interference, toxic algal blooms, infectious diseases, disorientation, overpopulation, natural disasters, and misguided hunting practices.

Some researchers have speculated that the dolphins may have been stranded due to fleeing a predator. This phenomenon is complicated by the vast areas predators can cover and the prolonged nature of hunts, making documentation challenging. Often, scientists only observe the aftermath: a healthy pod of dolphins washed ashore.

Over the past five years, the species Mileka (Delphinus Delphis) has been involved in three separate stranding incidents in Northern Patagonia, an unprecedented trend. Consequently, Arias and her team initiated detailed investigations.

Researchers utilized video data collected from drones and mobile phones through citizen science platforms like e-whale, alongside contributions from tourists, local fishermen, and residents.

In 2021, approximately 350 dolphins, pursued by a pod of eight killer whales, raced toward San Antonio Bay in Argentina’s Rio Negro province. About 30 minutes later, the killer whales retraced their route into the ocean, but several dolphins, panicked, sought refuge in a shallow harbor. Tragically, the next day, numerous dolphins were found dead in that same harbor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ng7FJGwOD0" title="Mass Stranding of Dolphins

Similarly, in 2023, around 570 dolphins sprinted into the bay, closely followed by a pod of killer whales. Although some dolphins managed to enter the harbor, local officials and volunteers successfully rescued them as the killer whales veered away.

Necropsies performed on 38 deceased dolphins from the 2021 incident indicated that the animals were in good health with no significant injuries. Notably, their stomach contents revealed no recent meals, suggesting they had not been actively pursuing prey. This finding raises doubts about the most common theories surrounding mass strandings, according to Arias.

By analyzing reports of killer whale sightings, the research team developed a timeline detailing orca activity in the area, revealing two confirmed instances of killer whales hunting and preying on dolphins.

It is likely the dolphins sought refuge in shallow waters, which hindered the orcas’ echolocation capabilities and prevented their movement. However, this strategy backfired, as the dolphins became trapped between sandbars and tidal channels, Arias explained.

Conversely, it is possible that killer whales purposely herd dolphins into the bay to trap them. Evidence suggests that two killer whales observed during the 2021 incident frequently exploited offshore formations to catch sea lions.

The extended stress and disorientation resulting from the chase may have dissuaded the dolphins from returning to deeper waters. Arias emphasized that situations like this likely occur worldwide, but remain largely undocumented.

“This study underscores the pivotal role of citizen science in advancing research efforts. Understanding these interactions not only sheds light on mass strandings but also enhances our knowledge of shifting marine ecosystems and species responses,” she concluded.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Ancient 275-Million-Year-Old Amphibian Relative with Twisted Jaw Redefines Diet of Early Quadrupeds

Posted on March 11, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A groundbreaking discovery in paleontology has unveiled a new genus and species of Permian archaic tetrapods, identified from fossilized jawbones found in Brazil. Named Tanika amnicola, this intriguing amphibian relative showcases unique horizontal teeth and abrasive, file-like surfaces. This suggests that ancient tetrapod vertebrates may have begun experimenting with plant consumption much earlier than previously thought.

Tanika amnicola. Image credit: Vitor Silva.

Tanika amnicola thrived in the southern regions of the Gondwana supercontinent during the early Permian period, approximately 275 million years ago.

“Tanika amnicola has captivated researchers,” says Dr. Jason Pardo, a paleontologist at the Field Museum.

“We were intrigued by an unusual twist in its jaw that we were determined to understand.”

“For years, we speculated whether this was a variant, but with nine jaw samples now extracted, all exhibiting this distinctive twist—some exceptionally well preserved—it’s clear this was characteristic of the species, not a deformity,” he added.

Tanika amnicola represents a pedunculated tetrapod lineage, the oldest subset of tetrapods that eventually diversified into two major groups: those laying eggs outside of aquatic environments and those that lay eggs in water.

Modern reptiles, birds, and mammals descend from the branches that evolved to lay watertight eggs on land, while contemporary amphibians, like frogs and salamanders, represent tetrapod relatives that require moist environments for their eggs.

Nonetheless, some pedunculated tetrapods persisted even after more modern variations evolved, with Tanika amnicola being a notable example.

“In essence, Tanika amnicola survived as a remnant of the pedunculated tetrapod lineage long after newer tetrapods emerged. Its appearance is somewhat akin to that of a platypus—a true living fossil,” remarked Dr. Pardo.

Many aspects of Tanika amnicola‘s anatomy still puzzle scientists.

“The isolated jawbones we’ve discovered are remarkably unique and distinctive,” stated Dr. Ken Angielczyk, curator of paleomammalogy at the Field Museum.

“However, until we find a skull or additional bones definitively connected to these jaw samples, we cannot conclusively ascribe other nearby bone fragments to Tanika amnicola.”

Yet, the jawbone alone is revealing, demonstrating the rarity of this creature.

“Run your tongue across your lower teeth. Do you feel the tops pointing towards the roof of your mouth?” they explained.

“In Tanika amnicola, the lower jaw twists, with teeth projected sideways rather than upwards.”

“Conversely, the portion of the jaw facing the tongue in Tanika amnicola angles upward, towards the roof of the mouth.”

“The jawbone is adorned with numerous small teeth, known as denticles, creating a grinding surface akin to a cheese grater.”

Scientists hypothesize that the teeth and dental arrangements in the upper jaw harmonized with those in the lower jaw.

“We theorize that the lower jaw’s teeth would rub against similar teeth in the upper mouth,” Pardo explained.

“This grinding action suggests a distinctive feeding method predominantly aimed at plant material.”

“Based on dental morphology, we believe Tanika amnicola was likely an herbivore, consuming plants at least occasionally,” remarked Dr. Juan Carlos Cisneros from the Federal University of Piauí.

“It’s astonishing that a quadrupedal creature like Tanika amnicola existed, especially considering most of its tetrapod relatives primarily consumed meat, indicating an evolved adaptation to a plant-based diet.”

The peer-reviewed findings are published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

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Jason D. Pardo et al.. 2026. A quadrupedal organism with an anomalous jaw structure living during the early Permian period in Brazil. Proc Biol Sci 293 (2066): 20252106; doi: 10.1098/rspb.2025.2106

Source: www.sci.news

Ancient Parrot DNA Reveals Evidence of Pre-Inca Animal Trading

Posted on March 11, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Ancient DNA extracted from vibrant feathers found in Peru has been linked to at least four distinct species of Amazonian parrots: the scarlet macaw (Ara macao), blue and yellow macaw (Ara ararauna), red and green macaw (Ara chloropterus), and mealy amazon (Amazona farinosa). These birds were reportedly transported alive across the Andes centuries before the rise of the Inca Empire, showcasing a complex network of long-distance trade that connected Amazonian communities, high-altitude routes, and the Pacific Ocean.

A pair of scarlet macaws (Ara macao) in Costa Rica. Image credit: Julio-César Chávez / CC BY 4.0.

Discovered in Pachacamac, Peru, an ancient parrot feather lies far beyond the natural habitat of these birds, which are native to the rainforest.

“Through the integration of ancient DNA sequencing, isotope chemistry, and computational landscape modeling, we tracked the movement of these birds across diverse terrains,” explained Dr. George Oler, a researcher affiliated with the Australian National University and King’s College London.

“Our models of ancient habitats confirm that the western Andes were equally inhospitable for these species a millennium ago. These parrots thrive solely in rainforest environments, typically spanning a natural home range of about 150 kilometers.”

“The evidence that they were found on the opposite side of South America’s tallest mountain range—over 500 kilometers away—indicates human involvement, as these birds do not fly over the Andes under normal conditions.”

“Our research illustrates that multiple species of Amazonian parrots were captured in their natural habitat, transported over mountainous pathways, and survived long enough to regrow feathers along the coast.” – Dr. Oler.

Through genome analysis, researchers identified the four Amazonian parrot species from feather assemblages: scarlet macaw, blue and yellow macaw, red and green macaw, and mealy amazon, all of which traditionally inhabit tropical rainforests hundreds of kilometers from the Pacific coastline.

The journey for these birds likely took weeks or even months as traders navigated rugged mountain terrain and steep plateaus.

“Our findings provide genetic and isotopic evidence showing that these parrots were not merely traded for their feathers but were actually transported alive across challenging landscapes to significant coastal ceremonial sites,” Dr. Oler asserted.

By investigating chemical signatures within the feathers, the team discovered that the birds’ diet had shifted to include C4 plants like corn and marine proteins, implying that they continued to live post-transport over the Andes.

“Our analysis indicates that the parrots were fed a nitrogen-rich diet similar to that of their captors, clearly illustrating long-term care after their removal from the rainforest,” Dr. Oler noted.

Landscape modeling tools further unveiled trans-Andean corridors and river routes that may have facilitated avian transport, revealing a sophisticated network of overland and river exchanges.

This bird species, valued for its striking plumage, held immense cultural significance in pre-Hispanic societies and was frequently featured in rituals and elite burial practices.

“This discovery challenges previous beliefs that pre-Inca societies were isolated or fragmented,” Dr. Oler remarked. “Instead, we uncover evidence of organizational networks, ecological understanding, and logistical strategies that connected vastly differing ecosystems long before formal imperial roads established these routes.”

For further details, refer to the original publication in the journal Nature Communications.

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G. Ola et al. 2026. Ancient DNA and spatial modeling reveal pre-Inca trans-Andean parrot trade. Nat Commun 17: 2117. doi: 10.1038/s41467-026-69167-9

Source: www.sci.news

NASA Satellite Plummets to Earth: Minimal Risk of Debris Impact

Posted on March 11, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A decommissioned NASA satellite, **Van Allen Spacecraft A**, launched 14 years ago to study Earth’s radiation belts, is set to crash into Earth on Tuesday.

Weighing in at 1,323 pounds, the spacecraft is predicted to enter the atmosphere around 7:45 p.m. EDT, according to U.S. Space Force forecasts. This will be an uncontrolled re-entry, which means NASA cannot steer the spacecraft; however, they anticipate that most of the satellite will incinerate during its fiery descent through the atmosphere.

As NASA stated, “some components are expected to survive reentry.”

“The risk of harm to anyone on Earth is low, approximately 1 in 4,200,” according to NASA. “NASA and the Space Force will continue to monitor the reentry.” For the latest updates, visit this forecast.

Deactivated satellites, spent rocket stages, and space debris re-enter Earth’s atmosphere regularly. In fact, such objects make uncontrolled descents nearly every day, as reported by the European Space Agency.

Typically, hardware burns up harmlessly upon re-entry, but some parts may survive. Fortunately, with oceans covering approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface, the chances of space debris landing on populated areas are minimal.

Accurately predicting the time and location of an uncontrolled spacecraft’s re-entry is challenging due to various factors, including atmospheric dynamics, space weather, and the spacecraft’s descent trajectory. The Space Force projects a re-entry window for Van Allen A with a margin of error of plus or minus 24 hours.

Van Allen Spacecraft A was launched on August 30, 2012, alongside its twin, Van Allen Spacecraft B. Both probes were designed to investigate a ring of high-energy radiation particles trapped in Earth’s magnetic field, known as the Van Allen radiation belts.

Three donut-shaped radiation belts around Earth.
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

The Van Allen belts are crucial for protecting Earth from solar storms, cosmic radiation, and charged particles from the solar wind. Without these belts, satellites could be damaged, human health could be jeopardized, and power grids on Earth could face disruptions. However, astronauts must navigate through the Van Allen belts to reach space, exposing them to potentially harmful radiation.

NASA’s Van Allen Probes A and B were instrumental in advancing our understanding of these radiation belts. The mission led to numerous discoveries about the radiation belts, including the identification of a temporary third radiation belt formed during intense solar activity.

These twin spacecraft continued their mission until 2019 when they exhausted their fuel. NASA subsequently concluded the mission, leaving the probes in orbit.

Initially, NASA projected that the spacecraft would re-enter Earth’s atmosphere in 2034. However, increased solar activity has recently intensified atmospheric drag on both probes, accelerating their descent. As solar activity rises, denser atmospheric layers can slow down satellites, complicating their orbits.

Van Allen Spacecraft B is anticipated to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere by 2030.

These re-entries shed light on the growing issue of space debris, especially as the frequency of launches rises. Tens of thousands of pieces of space junk, along with millions of tiny orbital debris, clutter low-Earth orbit, the zone where many telecommunications and GPS satellites operate.

Debris fragments can travel at speeds of up to 18,000 miles per hour, posing safety risks to functioning spacecraft and astronauts aboard the International Space Station.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Revolutionizing Mathematics: The Biggest Changes in History

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Will the Era of Handwritten Mathematics End?

Credit: Laborant / Alamy

Old textured vintage paper page featuring higher math calculations — Will the Era of Handwritten Mathematics End?

Credit: Laborant / Alamy

In March 2025, renowned mathematician Daniel Litt placed a bet regarding the impact of artificial intelligence on mathematics. He asserted that by 2030, there would be only a 25 percent chance that AI could produce mathematical papers comparable to those of top human mathematicians. However, just a year later, he anticipates losing this wager, stating, “I now expect to lose this bet,” as noted in his blog.

The rapid advancements in AI’s problem-solving capabilities have left mathematicians astounded. “Only a few years ago, AI struggled with even simple high school math problems, but now it can tackle real challenges faced by mathematicians,” Litt comments from the University of Toronto.

This acceleration in AI development is unprecedented, with mathematicians expressing concerns about the rate at which their field is evolving. “There’s no place to hide,” warns Jeremy Avigado from Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania in his essay. “We must confront the reality that AI will soon outperform us in theorem-proofing.”

This shift is not due to a singular event but the cumulative progress AI is making in mathematics. Last year, companies like OpenAI and Google DeepMind accomplished unprecedented feats at the International Mathematics Olympiad—an elite competition once deemed too complex for AI tools. In January, mathematicians began leveraging AI to address longstanding questions posed by Hungarian mathematician Paul Erdős.

AI is now addressing more intricate mathematical challenges, tackling real-world research problems and assisting in the automatic verification of complex proofs that traditionally required extensive collaboration among mathematicians.

In February, Nikhil Srivastava from the University of California, Berkeley, launched the First Proof project to establish realistic benchmarks for evaluating AI’s mathematical capabilities. The initial phase consisted of ten problems drawn from various mathematical areas that researchers regularly encounter.

Evidence of AI Progress

Once the challenge was publicized, solutions began to pour in. Researchers from technology giants like OpenAI and Google DeepMind participated in solving the First Proof challenge. OpenAI reported that it correctly answered half of the questions based on “expert feedback,” while Google DeepMind achieved success on six of ten questions, according to consulted mathematicians.

“Everything changed rapidly,” reflects Thanh Luong from Google DeepMind. “AI has become a legitimate research collaborator, capable of yielding significant research results, as demonstrated by First Proof.”

Google’s AI mathematics tool, Aletheia, combines a compute-intensive version of the Gemini AI chatbot with validation algorithms to identify flaws in proposed solutions. The iterative nature allows researchers to refine their answers continuously. While Google has not disclosed the number of iterations taken to solve problems, mathematicians remain impressed.

Not all proposed solutions received unanimous approval. For example, in geometry, out of seven experts consulted, only five agreed on the correctness of one solution. Ivan Smith, a professor at the University of Cambridge not involved with Google’s team, noted that AI is approaching problems sensibly and showing promise. “If this were a PhD student presenting ideas, it would encourage confidence that the results are valid,” Smith states.

This situation highlights the complications associated with AI-generated proofs. The challenge lies in the verification process. The speed at which AI generates proofs may outpace human verification capabilities. If an AI produces a theorem but no one is available to verify it, has it truly been proven? AI may assist in this area as well.

Technology is rapidly advancing, converting handwritten proofs expressed in natural language, like those posed in the First Proof challenge, into formats that computers can validate through a process called formalization.

Recently, Math, Inc. surprised mathematicians by announcing that its AI tool, Gauss, had successfully formalized and verified an award-winning proof. This proof pertains to how many spheres can be efficiently packed in space, a subject central to Marina Wiazowska’s 2022 Fields Medal, the mathematics equivalent of the Nobel Prize.

Efforts to formalize Wiazowska’s work began in late 2024, independent of Math, Inc.’s initiative to manually convert the problem into code. They initially analyzed Wiazowska’s eight-dimensional sphere-packing solution. As they made steady strides, Math, Inc. unexpectedly declared it had already obtained a complete proof, along with a broader version of the result in 24 dimensions.

Bhavik Mehta and his team at Imperial College London initially outlined a framework for formalizing the research and identifying essential mathematical definitions. Without this groundwork, Mehta notes, the AI tools would have been unable to complete the proof.

“I compiled all the components but didn’t provide instructions on assembling them,” states Chris Birkbeck, a PhD candidate at the University of East Anglia, who is part of the team.

A New Era of Mathematicians

The final proof consists of around 200,000 lines of code, representing about ten percent of all formalized mathematics to date. Although this output may be ten times longer than a human would typically take, it marks a significant achievement, according to Johann Kommelin from Utrecht University. “This is groundbreaking work that is effectively being formalized,” he affirms.

Similar initiatives could emerge across various fields, transforming traditional mathematical practices. “The future we envision is a tool that automates the formalization of new research and mathematical papers, while also flagging potential errors,” Commelin emphasizes. “This would greatly influence peer review processes and evaluations.”

Faced with a future where AI completes a significant portion of mathematical tasks, some mathematicians, like Avigad, are raising concerns about the ramifications on our ability to innovate and engage with new mathematics.

Engaging with tools to solve problems presented in First Proof can yield concrete proofs, notes Anna Marie Bowman. However, she emphasizes that we’re losing valuable “learning opportunities.” The process of generating and formulating new ideas and confronting complex problems is vital for consolidating knowledge for both learners and practitioners.

Similarly, Tony Fen, a member of the Google DeepMind Aletheia team, expresses hesitance toward the tool’s use. “I often believe in doing one’s own work and fostering personal intuition,” he states.

Mehta adds that merely formalizing the proof provides crucial insights, and now he and his colleagues must meticulously sift through the 200,000 lines of AI-generated proof to extract useful components for future projects.

However, mathematicians remain optimistic about their role in an increasingly AI-driven environment. Reflecting on historical parallels, Kommelin notes that manual computations once formed the backbone of mathematical work but have since transitioned to automated methods. “I believe we are on a similar track; this will revolutionize our field. Yet, even in 10 or 20 years, we’ll still possess a unique identity in mathematics.”

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Mathematics

Source: www.newscientist.com

Revolutionary Startup Develops First Data Center Powered by Human Brain Cells

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A small number of companies are developing biological computers

Floriana/Getty Images

Close-up of an artificial brain showcasing neural activity and orange light dots, illustrating the concept of artificial intelligence. 3D rendering of synapses and neurons made up of cubic particles. — A small number of companies are developing biological computers

Floriana/Getty Images

Data centers consume vast amounts of energy while the demand for computer chips continues to soar. Could utilizing brain cells be the solution?
Australian startup Cortical Labs is pioneering this field, planning to establish two innovative “biological” data centers in Melbourne and Singapore. These cutting-edge data centers will feature chips integrated with reproducible neurons.
Pon vs. Doom.

Cortical Labs stands out as one of the few firms creating biological computers that link nerve cells to microelectrode arrays, enabling the stimulation and measurement of cell responses during data input. Recently, the company successfully showcased that its primary model, the CL1, can learn to play games like Doom within just a week.

The first data center in Melbourne is set to accommodate around 120 CL1 units, while a second facility in collaboration with the National University of Singapore will initially support 20 CL1 systems, with plans to expand to 1,000 pending regulatory approval. This initiative aims to enhance cloud-based brain computing services.

According to Michael Barros from the University of Essex, UK, while biological computers have been constructed and tested globally, they remain challenging to build and use. He states, “We invest a lot of time and resources developing these systems.”

Barros further elaborates that Cortical Labs is democratizing access to biocomputers at scale, pioneering an accessible approach in the industry.

These systems can be trained for simple tasks, such as playing Doom, yet there are challenges in understanding how neurons function and training them for more complex tasks like machine learning. Reinhold Scherer, also from the University of Essex, notes, “When you access this technology, it opens doors to exploration in learning, training, and programming, but neurons cannot be programmed like standard computers.”

Cortical Labs asserts that its biological data centers use significantly less energy than traditional computing systems, with each CL1 requiring only 30 watts compared to thousands needed by leading conventional AI chips.

Paul Roach from Loughborough University, UK, emphasizes that scaling biocomputers into entire rooms, akin to traditional data servers, could yield substantial energy savings. Notably, while biological data centers may necessitate nutrients to sustain neuron chips, they require less cooling energy than conventional computing infrastructures, suggesting significant potential for energy conservation.

Nevertheless, experts like Tjeerd Olde Scheper, who holds a PhD from Oxford Brookes University, recognize that the technology remains nascent. “Will it perform as expected? We are still in the early developmental phase,” he comments.

Although direct comparisons between the sizes of biological and silicon AI systems remain complex, it’s notable that the envisioned biological data center would integrate hundreds of biological chips in contrast to the hundreds of thousands of GPUs typically found in large-scale AI data centers.

“We have a long way to go before these systems are production-ready. Transitioning from a small network playing games to a large language model is a substantial leap,” says Steve Furber from the University of Manchester, UK.

A pressing concern is the lack of clarity on how to store training outcomes within neurons as memory, or how to execute computational algorithms beyond specific tasks, such as video gaming.

Additionally, retraining neurons post-task completion poses challenges, as their training and learning may be lost upon the end of their lifespan. “Proper retraining is essential,” Scherer states. “If retraining is required every 30 days, it may hinder technological continuity.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Facing Accusations: The Shocking Claim of Slaughtering 100 Million Rabbits in Australia

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

*New Scientist* Reporter James Woodford shares his encounter with a rabbit.

D. Cunningham/Shutterstock

Wild European Rabbit at Jerrabomberra Wetland Nature Reserve, Canberra — *New Scientist* Reporter James Woodford shares his encounter with a rabbit.

D. Cunningham/Shutterstock

On a fateful Sunday shift, I felt an unsettling dread arise when breaking news emerged about a biological control virus aimed at Australia’s massive rabbit population escaping quarantine. This incident occurred near Yunta, a tiny speck on the South Australian map, roughly 250 km off the coast. Surprisingly, authorities identified only two individuals who had traveled to both Point Pearce and the new quarantine zone—myself included.

This unsettling event took place in October 1995, while I was a junior environmental reporter for one of Australia’s major newspapers in Sydney. Amid a whirlwind of topics, one article caught my attention: the ambitious endeavor to eradicate Australia’s invasive feral rabbit population was faltering.

The project, spearheaded by CSIRO, Australia’s foremost federal science agency, involved testing the lethal rabbit calicivirus at a quarantine facility on Wardung Island, situated a few kilometers off South Australia’s coast. Significant work remained before the virus was deemed fit for release; scientists were determined to ensure it posed no risk to native wildlife or the ecosystem.

However, on October 10, CSIRO announced that the virus had spread beyond its quarantine confines, reaching two additional locations, while oddly asserting that it had not escaped the island. Just a week later, I arrived at my desk to learn that the virus had somehow crossed from Wardung Island to Point Pearce on the mainland. I promptly urged my editor to let me and the photographer fly to Adelaide and head straight to Point Pearce.

By early afternoon, photographer Peter Ray and I traversed the arid landscape of Point Pearce for a meeting with government scientists managing the quarantine response.

Upon our arrival, local Aboriginal community members escorted us the final few kilometers to meet the quarantine team. Despite being the sole reporters present, the evidence of the impending rabbit crisis was unmistakable—dead rabbits littered the paddock. We documented interviews with researchers and accompanied them to the cabin where autopsies were taking place.

As the gravity of what we witnessed became apparent to our editors back in Sydney, I was tasked with exploring the potential implications if the virus continued to breach quarantine controls. I reached out to a rabbit meat wholesaler who connected me to an archer supplying rabbit fur for Australia’s renowned Akubra hats.

The next morning, we traveled to Yunta, over 300 km north of Adelaide, to meet rabbit shooter Clinton Degenhardt, who sat in his car with a rifle beside him. He and others in the rabbit meat and fur industry were deeply concerned about their livelihoods.

The following day, our front-page story was published, and as the week progressed, nothing more transpired until that Sunday, when the devastating news broke that the virus had reached Yunta.

South Australia’s chief veterinarian suggested that Peter and I might have inadvertently spread the virus, prompting a press release to that effect. My tranquil Sunday was suddenly transformed into a chaotic meeting as our editor tried to ascertain how we were tied to this incident.

The next day, Tim Fisher, the then-leader of the Australian National Party, raised the issue in Parliament, proposing that if our involvement was confirmed, we should take up jobs on the Dog Control Fence—a lush 5,600 km long pest control barrier separating southeastern Australia from the rest of the country.

Fortunately, scientists soon suggested that blowflies might have transmitted the virus instead of us, allowing the story to evolve. Nonetheless, it perplexed me that the virus first surfaced in Yunta, the area where I’d interviewed the rabbit shooter. Was this mere coincidence, a conspiracy, or a hoax? I may never know.

Competing news outlets thrived on the irony of our major scoop morphing into a public relations nightmare, and my friends and colleagues found endless amusement in teasing me. During those initial tumultuous weeks, I received a copy of the book Watership Down, and many dubbed me the “Bunny Killer.”

Interestingly, while many harbored animosity towards rabbits, there was also excitement at the prospect of liberating the land from these invasive hares. Farmers, conservationists, and endangered species researchers rejoiced at the likelihood of eradicating one of Australia’s most notorious pests, albeit temporarily until resistance would develop. In those initial two months following October, at least 10 million rabbits perished, and ultimately, hundreds of millions more would follow.

Nearly four years later, I found myself at Herdanda Station, a sprawling 3,000 square kilometer ranch near Alice Springs. Before the calicivirus outbreak, the property was home to 20,000 rabbit warrens. When I visited, the rabbit population had dwindled to nearly zero. When the owner, Bernie Kilgariff, discovered my identity as the reporter accused of spreading the virus, he insisted I sign the visitor’s list as a guest of honor rather than as a governor-general.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

How Sharing Genetic Risk Scores Could Unintentionally Expose Personal Secrets

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Unlocking Genetic Data: The Risks of Polygenic Risk Scores

Genetic data can be analyzed to estimate the risk of developing specific health conditions. Science Photo Library / Alamy

Polygenic risk scores (PRS) summarize an individual’s likelihood of developing particular health conditions, revealing insights into a person’s DNA through advanced mathematical methods. These scores could potentially be leveraged by health insurance companies to reconstruct genetic data from summary genomic reports, uncovering health risks that patients might not disclose. Furthermore, individuals sharing their scores anonymously could be identified by extracting genetic data and querying public genealogy databases.

Understanding Polygenic Risk Scores

Polygenic risk scores measure the impact of variations in tens to thousands of specific letters in the genome, known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Researchers and DNA testing companies like 23andMe use these scores to summarize potential health risks, which may also be made public by individuals seeking advice on score interpretation.

Solve a polygenic risk score is akin to deducing a phone number, only knowing that the digits sum up to a specific number, illustrating a mathematical challenge known as the knapsack problem. This complexity makes PRS considered to have a low privacy risk.

However, each SNP value in the score is multiplied by a highly precise weight—up to 16 orders of magnitude—reflecting its contribution to overall disease risk. This makes even low-risk models vulnerable to data attacks.

Research Findings on Genetic Risk Scores

According to Gamze Gyursoy at Columbia University, “The final polygenic risk score can be estimated with a high degree of accuracy because it is constrained by the finite methodology used to reach that figure and the statistically probable arrangement of the underlying SNPs.” Gyursoy, alongside Kiril Nikitin, also from Columbia, conducted experiments using 298 polygenic risk models based on data from 2,353 individuals. They worked backwards to calculate all possible genomes that could generate each score while excluding those with numerous rare mutations.

As a result, they were able to reconstruct donor genotypes with an impressive 94.6% accuracy and accurately predicted 2,450 SNPs per person. Testing revealed that just 27 SNPs were sufficient to identify an individual from a pool of 500,000 samples, with up to 90% accuracy in predicting family relationships. Interestingly, individuals of African and East Asian descent were easier to identify, largely due to underrepresentation in available genetic databases.

Mitigating Risks and Ethical Considerations

Gyursoy highlights that 447 small, high-precision models in the public database of polygenic scores are susceptible to such attacks. “I wanted to emphasize that the risk is low; however, [certain conditions] still present the potential for data leakage, which must be considered in study planning, especially when involving vulnerable populations,” Gyursoy states.

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital believe existing data protection methods and computational barriers limit the potential misuse of polygenic risk scores. “These findings serve as a crucial reminder that small models should be treated as sensitive data in clinical reporting and informed consent discussions,” they add.

Source: www.newscientist.com

What is a Galaxy? Unraveling the Complexity Behind This Fascinating Cosmic Structure

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Globular cluster NGC 1850 lies within the Large Magellanic Cloud, our Milky Way’s satellite galaxy.

Copyright: NASA, ESA, and P. Goudfrooij (Space Telescope Science Institute). Processing: Gladys Kober (NASA/Catholic University of America)

Globular Cluster NGC 1850 — Globular cluster NGC 1850 lies within the Large Magellanic Cloud, our Milky Way’s satellite galaxy.

Copyright: NASA, ESA, and P. Goudfrooij (Space Telescope Science Institute). Processing: Gladys Kober (NASA/Catholic University of America)

What distinguishes a collection of stars from an entire galaxy? This seemingly simple inquiry poses a significant challenge to astronomers today.

Most casual stargazers view galaxies as distinct entities, akin to completed masterpieces. When peering through a backyard telescope, one can observe billions of stars or even more than 100 billion, radiating in a spiral formation of vibrant light. My experiences as a theoretical particle cosmologist reveal that galaxies are enveloped by an unseen dark matter halo, stretching far beyond the visible sphere. It’s also crucial to note that not all galaxies conform to the spiral design; some take on oval shapes, resembling a flattened sphere, making the classification of galaxies more complex than it appears.

As I’ve noted in previous discussions, our classification of galaxies continues to evolve. Clearly defining an object with a distinct spiral formation and vast star count is straightforward, but what about those that appear spheroidal yet possess millions of stars? Some of these may be categorized as globular clusters—collections of tens to millions of stars bound by gravity within a mere few light years.

These globular clusters are exclusively found within galaxies, indicating a fundamental difference between them and galaxies themselves. Globular clusters exhibit compactness, in contrast to galaxies, which expand more diffusely throughout space. The same holds true for dwarf spheroidal galaxies, which, despite being smaller than our Milky Way, still exhibit a relatively vast reach and often contain a more diverse stellar population. Moreover, while dwarf spheroidals are surrounded by their own dark matter halos, globular clusters typically are not.

Visualize a nested structure of galaxies enveloped by dark matter: at the center lies the Milky Way, encircled by a substantial halo, featuring a small quasi-spheroid and then an even smaller subhalo. This framework assists astronomers in distinguishing between galaxies and globular clusters, as the presence of dark matter identifies an object as a galaxy.

The understanding of these classifications was relatively clear until 2005, when the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) released its initial data set. This monumental project aimed to document a quarter of the night sky, revealing numerous celestial entities never before observed. Among these findings was a faint cluster of stars near the Milky Way, dubbed ultra-faint satellites, which blurred the lines separating globular clusters from galaxies.

Further investigations into these enigmatic objects have unveiled some to be galaxies saturated with dark matter, yet the challenge persists, as these satellites remain elusive and hard to detect, living in what is described as the “valley of uncertainty.” A 2018 study by Blair Conn and colleagues noted these peculiar entities—neither clearly galaxies nor definitively not.

Ursa Major III has an astonishingly low count of only 60 stars.

CFHT/Unions/S. Gwin

Despite our anticipation for data to clarify these obscure classifications, recent sky surveys have unveiled even fainter clusters of celestial objects. We have learned to hesitate before declaring what is or isn’t a galaxy. A recent 2023 study led by Simon Smith from the University of Victoria has reported the discovery of Ursa Major III, labeled as “the least luminous known satellite of the Milky Way.” While this assertion instills confidence, the supporting evidence comprises merely 60 stars—an extraordinarily small number.

Ursa Major III might seem diminutive, yet its implications could resonate widely. A study last year asserted that, if it qualifies as a galaxy, it could help eliminate certain dark matter models. Determining whether Ursa Major III and its counterparts are genuinely galaxies could significantly impact astrophysics, cosmology, and particle physics.

Progress continues on this front. Recently, William Cerny and his team at Yale University published findings from an extensive study on a large group of these mysterious objects. Their conclusion? A diverse array exists among these entities, though further investigation is essential. We may not have definitive answers yet, but we sit at an exciting crossroads—firmly engaging in the pursuit of knowledge and further discoveries.

Your reading list:

Special collection: Poets, particularly Courtney Lamar Charleston and Comeonfune Felix’s Manifesto: Let the poets rule.

What are you currently viewing?

Too Much Alfred Hitchcock!

What are you presently working on?

Prepping for the U.S. release of my book, The End of Space and Time, on April 7th!

Chanda Prescod-Weinstein is an associate professor of physics and astronomy at the University of New Hampshire. She is the author of Turbulent Universe and her forthcoming book The Ends of Space and Time: Particles, Poetry, and the Boogie of Cosmic Dreams.

Unraveling Cosmic Mysteries in Cheshire, England

Join some of the brightest scientific minds for an insightful weekend delving into the universe’s enigmas, inclusive of a tour of the iconic Lovell Telescope.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Why Project Hail Mary is the Stellar Spiritual Sibling of The Martian – A Must-Read Sci-Fi Adventure

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Ryan Gosling as Ryland Grace in Project Hail Mary

Jonathan Olley/Sony Pictures

Project Hail MaryReleased in theaters on March 19th

Discover the captivating elements of Project Hail Mary, Andy Weir’s gripping tale about a desperate mission to save the sun. I initially struggled to engage with it, setting it aside after just 100 pages. The protagonist, Ryland Grace, a molecular biologist turned astronaut, awakens in a spaceship with no memory of his identity or mission.

At first, I struggled to connect with Ryland’s immature and cynical demeanor. His humorous yet crass references detracted from the book’s potential, leaving me questioning the need for interstellar missions to save the sun. Ultimately, I decided to abandon the narrative.

But I regret not persevering. The heartwarming journey and scientific depth of the film adaptation of Project Hail Mary offered unexpected joy and insights.

I felt a great sense of relief during Ryland’s awakening scene, where a robotic arm unhooks him from life support. This adaptation efficiently compresses lengthy contemplative moments often muddled in the book. The film’s pacing is swift and engaging, showcasing Ryland’s struggle effectively.

The film skillfully avoids excessive exposition, allowing the talented cast to convey essential emotional nuances. Ryan Gosling portrays Ryland as a relatable character, injecting humor and depth into his role.

As the narrative unfolds, we learn Ryland is recruited by the formidable Eva Strutt (Sandra Hüller), who heightens the story’s stakes. With the sun predicted to dim by 5% in the coming two decades, she propels the urgency of their mission to prevent impending climate catastrophe. Hüller brings a captivating emotional dynamic to her interactions with Gosling and James Ortiz, creating memorable performances.

The scientific themes, brilliantly crafted by screenwriter Drew Goddard, resonate throughout Project Hail Mary. Echoing the spirit of Weir’s previous work, The Martian, the film blends elements of survival with profound scientific concepts in physics and biology.

Faced with isolation after his pilot and engineer perish during the mission, Ryland must leverage his intellect for innovative solutions to navigate the challenges of space travel. This cleverness is sure to delight hardcore sci-fi fans, even if some explanations are not fully fleshed out.

While the plot takes unexpected twists, central questions about the essence of life and its significance drive the narrative of Project Hail Mary. Although certain character traits of Ryland may feel overplayed, I found myself surprisingly invested in his journey and fate.

Overall, Project Hail Mary presents a beautifully shot, highly entertaining adventure, transforming my initial skepticism into appreciation. I might even return to finish reading the original book!

Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Unveiling the Mystery: The Brightest ‘Whippet’ Space Explosion Ever Discovered

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

“Whippet” as envisioned by *New Scientist* picture desk

Credit: NASA/Muratato/Shutterstock/Adobe Stock

Shutterstock Asset ID: 2498498799 - Supernova Explosion at the Center of the Galaxy — “Whippet” as envisioned by *New Scientist* picture desk

Credit: NASA/Muratato/Shutterstock/Adobe Stock

A mysterious burst of bright light in the night sky may indicate a black hole consuming an unusually sparse star.

In 2018, astronomers detected a new kind of cosmic explosion, designated AT2018cow, or “Cow.” This unique flash reached peak brightness in only a few days, significantly faster than typical supernovae.

Initially, the origins of these explosions were unclear. Since the discovery of Cow, several more similar events have been recorded, termed fast blue light transients (FBOTs), yet their origins remain enigmatic.

Recently, Liu Jialian and his research team at Tsinghua University in China propose that the latest cosmic flash, the brightest FBOT to date, results from an exotic star over 30 times the mass of the Sun shedding its outer hydrogen layer and becoming a meal for a black hole.

Named AT 2024wpp, or “Whippet,” this outburst was identified by the Zwicky Transitional Observatory in late 2024 and quickly outshone Cow by approximately tenfold. Liu’s team monitored the explosion using various telescopes, including the Swift X-ray Telescope, collecting data across different wavelengths.

The observed light spectrum indicates the explosion was over six times hotter than the Sun’s surface and expelled plasma at approximately one-fifth the speed of light. Approximately a month after the initial light burst, a previously unobserved X-ray outburst emerged, adding to the mystery of FBOTs.

Liu and his colleagues attribute these observations to a type of rare star known as a Wolf-Rayet star. This star features an exposed core devoid of gas. They argue that Whippet is a consequence of a Wolf-Rayet star being engulfed by a black hole approximately 15 solar masses.

The initial merger triggered the first light burst, while some remaining stellar material eventually spiraled towards the black hole, resulting in the second X-ray burst. As noted by Ashley Chrimes from the European Space Agency, “Of all the proposed explanations, this one is likely the least problematic.”

One of the most compelling elements supporting this theory is that the event appears to originate from young galaxies, where short-lived extreme stars like Wolf-Rayet stars are prevalent. Chrimes adds, “In this environment, such events would be expected, and we’re also observing this late-time bump, which could signal a significant post-merger response. This is indeed promising.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

How Farming Transformed Human Evolution: The Impact of Agriculture on Our Development

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

The Advent of Agriculture and Evolutionary Pressures on Humans

Christian Jegou/Science Photo Library

Evolution and Agriculture Impact — The Advent of Agriculture and Evolutionary Pressures on Humans

Christian Jegou/Science Photo Library

The comprehensive analysis of ancient genomes has revealed significant insights into human evolution over the last 10,000 years. This research indicates that various populations worldwide have experienced similar evolutionary changes, particularly following the introduction of agriculture.

“Similar traits and genes are being selected in diverse populations,” says Laura Colbran from the University of Pennsylvania.

Evolution happens when genetic variation becomes prevalent in a population—often because it confers an advantage. By comparing genomes, we can identify recent signs of human evolution.

Colbran notes that ancient DNA is exceptionally valuable for this research, stating, “Using ancient genomes allows us to witness genetic history directly, as opposed to relying solely on inferential methods.”

Much of the recent research has primarily focused on European genomes, but Colbran’s team leveraged an increasing collection of genomes from outside Europe, analyzing over 7,000 ancient and contemporary genomes. Ancient genomes mainly originate from the last 10,000 years, while modern genomes are derived from living populations.

The research team utilized ancient genomes to predict possible modern genetic profiles without evolutionary influence, highlighting differences known as selection signals. They identified 31 selection signals, many of which were shared among varied populations, likely due to the independent rise of agriculture around the same era globally.

For instance, less than 25% of ancient individuals possessed the FADS1 gene, which encodes an enzyme that aids in converting short-chain fatty acids (common in plants) into long-chain fatty acids (predominant in meats). Increased production of this enzyme is thought to benefit individuals who adopt a plant-heavy diet. Currently, over 75% of people in Europe, Japan, and northern China carry advantageous FADS1 variants. The strength of selection for this gene has remained stable over the last 300 generations in Europe while intensifying in East Asia over the last century.

The genes impacting the alcohol dehydrogenase 1B enzyme, encoded by ADH1B, have also been critically analyzed. Variants of ADH1B are prevalent in East Asia and are associated with quick alcohol metabolism, leading to symptoms like facial flushing. Colbran stated, “This showcases the strongest selection signal we’ve observed in East Asia,” suggesting that this variant was favored to curb excessive alcohol consumption.

Even though this variant was absent in ancient Europeans, strong selection signals related to the ADH1B enzyme were identified. Colbran emphasized the need for further investigation to discern the involved variants and their specific impacts, indicating a likely adaptation to evolving alcohol consumption patterns.

The research team also explored traits influenced by multiple genetic variations, such as waist-to-hip ratios, often correlated with fertility. Surprisingly, they found a robust selection process stabilizing women’s waist-to-hip ratios within certain limits. “This is intriguing as it suggests a stabilization of selection,” Colbran remarked, emphasizing that while waist-to-hip ratios can differ across various populations, the ideal measurement likely exists in a balanced range.

As noted by Alexander Gusev at Harvard University, this study is remarkable for its analysis of ancient DNA that has yet to be thoroughly examined. Gusev explained, “The authors found enriched variants being selected within one population compared to others, indicating parallel selection across populations, previously hypothesized but not empirically demonstrated.”

Yashin Souilumi, from the University of Adelaide, emphasized that their novel approach reveals regions of the genome newly identified as subject to selection, complementing previously known areas. “Their innovative method optimally utilizes the vast amounts of available ancient DNA,” Souilumi stated.

Colbran concluded that these findings are merely the initial discoveries. As more non-European genomes are sequenced, we will uncover even more evidence of recent human evolution.

Discovery Tour: Archaeology, Human Origins, and Paleontology

New Scientist frequently covers extraordinary archaeological sites that reshape our understanding of human evolution and early civilizations. Join us on this fascinating journey!

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Scientists Discover Evidence of Man-Eating Killer Whales in Russian Waters

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Two severed killer whale fins discovered on a remote Russian island may reveal a shocking new behavior: killer whales may be hunting and consuming their own species. Each fin is newly severed, and a recent study indicates that the tooth marks belong to another killer whale.

Dr. Olga Filatova, an associate professor at the University of Southern Denmark, received the alarming photographs from her collaborator, Sergei Fomin, and was certain about the implications.

“I was astonished when he discovered the first fin,” she stated in an interview with BBC Science Focus. “We never believed we would witness this phenomenon in our lifetime, but it appears we have.”

Genetic analysis confirmed that the severed fins belonged to resident killer whales, which are fish-eating mammals living in tight family groups for generations. The likely aggressor is the transient killer whale, a separate population that preys on marine mammals such as seals, sea lions, and other whales.

From a taxonomic perspective, all killer whales belong to a single species, meaning this behavior technically qualifies as cannibalism. Killer whale.

However, Filatova emphasizes that the situation is more nuanced. Resident and transient populations do not socialize or interbreed, and in the wild, they may not even recognize one another as the same species.

Filatova suggests that the attack likely occurred during a large social gathering, where numerous resident families convened for breeding. Due to the familial ties within these groups, killer whales must seek mates from outside their family units, resulting in fragmented populations that may extend over several kilometers.

During these social events, young males may become separated from their protective family units. “This provides an opportunity for mammal-eating species to target these vulnerable young, as other adults are preoccupied,” Filatova explained.

Fomin observed one such gathering shortly before he came across the second fin.

The second fin was found in 2024, approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) from the first fin – Photo credit: Sergey Fomin/SDU

Both fins belonged to young whales, and their severed state—rather than being simply bitten off—suggests that killer whales that hunt other species typically remove fins to access the flesh beneath, leaving low-energy remains.

This discovery carries implications beyond the immediate tragedy. Filatova posits that the strong social bonds characteristic of resident killer whale communities could stem from the pressures of predation.

“These populations remain stable for a specific reason: they need to safeguard themselves,” she remarked.

She theorizes that the two populations first encountered each other around 100,000 years ago when resident whales—more genetically similar to Atlantic killer whales—migrated to the North Pacific, encroaching on territory already inhabited by transients.

The remarkable family cohesion seen in today’s killer whales may be a result of evolving under the long-term threat of predation.

With only two fins discovered thus far, Filatova is cautious about drawing definitive conclusions. It remains uncertain whether this killing behavior signifies a recent shift or if it has been occurring unnoticed.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

How Star-Induced ‘Space Weather’ Could Obscure Radio Signals from Extraterrestrial Civilizations

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Stellar activity and plasma turbulence can significantly distort narrow radio signals before they exit their planetary systems. This phenomenon may help explain the prolonged silence observed in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI).

Research by Vishal Gajjar and Grayce C. Brown introduces one of the first quantitative frameworks to assess how stellar environments affect the detectability of narrowband technosignatures. Image credit: Sci.News.

In our exploration of technosignatures, astronomers typically take into account the distortions that occur as radio waves traverse interstellar space.

Variations in plasma density from stellar winds and sporadic eruptive events like coronal mass ejections can severely distort radio waves near their source, effectively “smearing” the frequency and diminishing the peak intensity necessary for detection.

“SETI searches are usually optimized for very narrow signals,” stated Dr. Vishal Gajjar, an astronomer at the SETI Institute.

“If a signal is amplified by its stellar environment, it might drop below the detection threshold, potentially elucidating some of the radio silence encountered in the search for technosignatures.”

To quantify this effect, Dr. Gajjar and his colleague Dr. Grace Brown leveraged directly measurable data: radio transmissions from spacecraft within our solar system.

They utilized empirical data from solar system probes to calibrate how turbulent plasma disperses narrowband signals, extrapolating these findings across various stellar environments.

The outcome is a comprehensive framework for estimating the extent of signal broadening across different star types and observation frequencies, particularly under “space weather” conditions prevalent around active stars.

This groundbreaking study has significant implications for target selection and search design in SETI.

M-type dwarfs, which constitute approximately 75% of stars in the Milky Way, are particularly prone to having narrowband signals distorted before departing their systems.

Astronomers advocate for search strategies that maintain sensitivity, even when the detected signal is not purely ultrathin.

“By quantifying how stellar activity alters narrowband signals, we can create searches that more accurately reflect what actually arrives on Earth, not just what may be transmitted,” noted Dr. Brown.

The team’s research was published on March 5th in the Astrophysical Journal.

_____

Vishal Gajjar and Grace C. Brown. 2026. Exo-IPM scattering as a hidden gatekeeper of narrowband technology signatures. APJ 999, 201; doi: 10.3847/1538-4357/ae3d33

Source: www.sci.news

NASA’s Planetary Defense Experiment Successfully Alters Binary Asteroid’s Orbit Around the Sun

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

New findings reveal that the 2022 DART collision not only decreased the orbit of the moon Dimorphos around its parent asteroid Didymos but also subtly altered the trajectory of the entire binary asteroid system around the sun.

This artist’s illustration depicts a cloud of debris ejected after NASA’s DART spacecraft collides with the asteroid Dimorphos. Image credit: ESO/M. Kornmesser.

During the NASA DART mission, the collision with Dimorphos generated a massive cloud of rock debris and altered the shape of the 170-meter (560-foot) asteroid.

This debris not only escaped but also provided Dimorphos with an explosive thrust—what scientists refer to as a momentum enhancer.

The momentum enhancement factor from the DART impact was approximately 2, indicating that the spacecraft’s impact was effectively doubled due to the debris expelled.

Previous studies have determined that the moon’s 12-hour orbit around the 805-meter-wide Didymos was shortened by 33 minutes.

The latest research indicates that the collision ejected so much material from the binary asteroid system that it even modified the binary star’s 770-day orbital period around the sun by 0.15 seconds.

Dr. Rahil McAdia from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign stated, “The change in the orbital velocity of the binary system was about 11.7 microns per second, or 1.7 inches per hour.”

“Over time, even minor adjustments in an asteroid’s motion can influence the likelihood of a dangerous object colliding with Earth.”

To demonstrate the DART mission’s measurable influence on the binary star system, the researchers meticulously tracked DART’s solar orbit.

In addition to radar and ground-based asteroid observations, they monitored stellar occultations—events where an asteroid passes directly in front of a star, briefly blocking its light.

This method enables precise measurements of the asteroid’s speed, shape, and position.

The research team relied on volunteers worldwide who observed 22 stellar eclipses between October 2022 and March 2025.

“These stellar occultation observations, combined with years of existing data, were essential in calculating how DART altered Didymos’s orbit,” said Dr. Steve Chesley from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

“This research is highly dependent on weather conditions, often requires travel to remote areas, and success is not guaranteed.”

“This breakthrough would not have been possible without the unwavering support of numerous volunteer observers globally.”

Analyzing Didymos’ motion also enabled scientists to ascertain the density of both asteroids.

Dimorphos was found to be slightly less dense than previously estimated, aligning with the theory that it formed from rock fragments shed by the rapidly rotating Didymos.

This loose material eventually coalesced, creating what is known as a “rubble pile” asteroid, Dimorphos.

Our findings indicate that targeting secondary asteroids in binary systems could be a viable strategy for deflecting kinetic impacts and enhancing planetary defense.

Dr. Preity Cowan from the University of Auckland remarked, “The DART mission proved to be a triumph. An asteroid system deemed safe for Earth was meticulously chosen, allowing NASA to impact the small satellite, leading to a faster orbit around its parent asteroid.”

“This new analysis unveils even more stunning and safe outcomes.”

“The combination of the spacecraft’s impact and the resulting ‘shock’ from the ejected material from the satellite was enough to visibly alter the binary star system’s path around the sun.”

“These adjustments may seem trivial, but in terms of trajectory, even minor changes, particularly if applied early on, can have significant repercussions.”

This milestone is crucial for developments in planetary defense,” said Professor Roberto Armelin from the University of Auckland.

“In a genuine hazardous scenario, small adjustments implemented promptly could prevent a potentially dangerous asteroid from colliding with Earth.”

The next phase is ESA’s Hera mission, set to launch in 2024, which will visit the Didymos system to measure its crater, asteroid mass and structure, and the efficiency of the impact.

“These measurements will aid in transitioning this historic experiment into a reliable planetary defense technology.”

For more information, check the result published in Scientific Progress.

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Rahil Makadia et al. 2026. Direct Detection of Geocentric Deflections of Asteroids: Didymos System After DART. Scientific Progress 12 (10): 10.1126/sciadv.aea4259

Source: www.sci.news

Discover Two Newly Identified Bird Species in the Amazon Rainforest

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Long believed to be a single species found throughout the Amazon rainforest, ant birds are, in fact, a group of different species, including two newly identified ones: Cherkomakra village and Cercomacula laucisona. These species inhabit distinct areas of the southern Amazon. This revelation was made possible through an extensive analysis of museum specimens and bird audio recordings. Discover more about the gray ant bird (Sercomacra cinerasense), which further complicates our understanding.

Cercomacula laucisona. Image credit: Fernando Zurdo.

The gray antbird is a small, inconspicuous bird native to forested areas. These birds thrive in dense understory habitats across Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.

Males typically exhibit gray plumage while females appear brownish, making it challenging for ornithologists to differentiate between various populations in this vast geographical region.

To reassess species boundaries, researchers led by Sercomacra cinerasense expert Wagner Cavalzere from the University of Complex conducted comparative studies on feather coloration, body measurements, and vocalizations.

The study analyzed 682 bird specimens from museum collections and evaluated 347 song recordings.

The team employed BirdNET, a deep learning platform designed to classify bird calls, to assess song structure.

“Birds rely heavily on vocal communication, which is crucial for species recognition,” the researchers stated.

“Their songs serve as sonic signatures, essential for uncovering hidden diversity.”

The findings indicated distinct divisions in populations separated by major Amazonian rivers.

Birds residing north of the Pastaza, Maranhão, Solimões, and Amazon rivers exhibited consistent differences in coloration and song patterns compared to southern populations.

Cherkomakra village is found in the forested region between the Ucayali and Madeira rivers, while Cercomacula laucisona inhabits areas between the Madeira and Tapajos rivers.

“These rivers act as long-standing natural barriers,” the researchers noted.

“The populations have diverged independently over millennia to evolve into the unique species we describe today, isolated by these significant rivers.”

Cherkomakra village. Image credit: Tomas Melo.

Additionally, scientists recognized several previously named forms as distinct species, bringing the total in this complex to five.

Each species is characterized by unique vocal traits and geographical ranges, with minimal evidence of overlap or hybridization.

This discovery underscores the vast unexplored biodiversity within the Amazon, revealing complexities among bird species previously thought to be well understood.

“By integrating artificial intelligence with fundamental bioacoustics and museum collection studies, we uncover diversity that would otherwise remain invisible,” the authors emphasized.

“Acknowledging these species is crucial for their conservation in a rapidly changing environment.”

For further details on this discovery, refer to the new paper published in Vertebrate Zoology.

_____

V. Cavalzere et al. 2026. Integrated taxonomy of Sercomacra cinerasense Species complex with descriptions of two new species (Birds: Thamnophilidae). Vertebrate Zoology 76: 73-91; doi: 10.3897/vz.76.e171834

Source: www.sci.news

ALMA Observations Reveal Unusually High Methanol Levels in 3I/ATLAS

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers utilizing the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA) have made a groundbreaking discovery of hydrogen cyanide, a nitrogen-rich organic molecule commonly associated with comets, and remarkably elevated levels of methanol, an organic compound linked to prebiotic chemistry, in the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS.

Artist’s impression as 3I/ATLAS approaches the Sun. Methanol gas appears in blue, and hydrogen cyanide in orange. Image credit: NSF / AUI / NRAO / M.Weiss.

“Observing 3I/ATLAS is like capturing a fingerprint from an entirely different solar system,” said Nathan Ross, a professor at American University.

“A detailed analysis reveals its composition, showing methanol emissions that are atypical for comets in our own solar system.”

Professor Ross and his team employed ALMA’s Atacama Compact Array in Chile to monitor 3I/ATLAS as it neared the Sun.

As sunlight warmed its icy exterior, this interstellar visitor released gas and dust, forming a surrounding coma.

By studying the coma, astronomers unveiled chemical signatures indicative of its materials.

They concentrated on the subtle submillimeter signatures of two molecules: methanol and hydrogen cyanide.

ALMA’s findings indicated that 3I/ATLAS is extraordinarily high in methanol compared to hydrogen cyanide, significantly surpassing levels typically observed in comets from our solar system.

On the two observation days, researchers recorded methanol to hydrogen cyanide ratios of approximately 70 and 120, positioning this object as one of the most methanol-rich comets ever examined.

These observations imply that the icy components of 3I/ATLAS were formed under conditions markedly different from those that motivate the formation of most comets within our solar system.

ALMA’s precision also allowed the team to analyze the movement of different molecules as they emanated from the comet, revealing unexpected disparities between methanol and hydrogen cyanide.

Notably, most hydrogen cyanide appears to originate from the comet’s core, which is an unusual characteristic for comets from our solar system.

Conversely, methanol is believed to originate from both the core and the comatose ice particles.

These minuscule ice particles behave like tiny comets; as the object approaches the Sun, the ice sublimates, releasing methanol gas.

While this behavior has been observed in various solar system comets, this is the first time the dynamics of outgassing have been documented with such detail in an interstellar object.

“The methanol to hydrogen cyanide ratio measured for 3I/ATLAS is among the highest observed in any comet, exceeded only by the anomalous Solar System comet C/2016 R2 (Pan-STARRS),” the authors noted.

Further findings will be published in the Astrophysical Journal.

_____

Nathan X. Ross et al. 2026. CH₃OH and HCN of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS mapped with the ALMA Atacama Compact Array: unique outgassing behavior and significantly elevated CH₃OH/HCN production rate ratio. APJL 999, L32; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/ae433b

Source: www.sci.news

Understanding Black Rain in Iran: Causes and Dangers Explained

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

US-Israeli attack ignites oil facility in Tehran, resulting in substantial fires and black smoke on March 8.

Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu via Getty Images

US-Israeli attack on oil storage facility in Tehran — US-Israeli attack ignites oil facility in Tehran, resulting in substantial fires and black smoke on March 8.

Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu via Getty Images

On March 8, black smoke enveloped northern Iran as U.S. and Israeli airstrikes continued, leading to alarming health concerns for civilians in Tehran.

What Happened?

In the early hours of March 8, U.S. and Israeli forces launched strikes targeting Iranian oil facilities for the first time since the conflict erupted, igniting massive fires in four oil storage centers and an oil transfer hub in Tehran and Alborz province.

As flames illuminated the night sky, thick black smoke descended over the city, with ash and soot blanketing surfaces. Alarmingly, residents reported dark rain falling, raising concerns after a prolonged drought. Authorities alerted locals about potential acid rain, as many experienced sore throats and burning eyes.

The black rain likely originated from smoke inhaled during these fires. When moisture falls into such polluted air, it can carry harmful particulates to the ground.

This scenario poses significant environmental and health risks, as scientists remain uncertain about the smoke’s chemical makeup, according to Anna Hansell from the University of Leicester.

Composition of the Black Rain

In contrast to regular gasoline, the oil involved was likely less refined and created a more complex mixture of harmful particles when burned. This smoke could contain toxic substances, according to Hansell.

Key components potentially include burnt carbon, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, sulfur, and nitrogen compounds. The combustion process releases sulfur and nitrogen oxides that, when combined with moisture, can produce acid rain.

This environmental disaster could generate smog levels far more severe than those experienced in mid-20th century London. “The scale of this event is concerning,” Hansell remarked.

Secondary pollutants from the strike—such as fragments of concrete and plastic—could contribute to the overall toxicity of the atmosphere.

Health Risks

If this black rain contaminates water supplies, it could lead to gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pain and diarrhea. Furthermore, the acid rain’s effects on skin and eyes are alarming, as already reported by some locals.

However, respiratory health may be the greatest danger. Inhalation of fine particulate matter poses serious health risks, as the composition becomes less important than the quantity inhaled.

“Skin contact with rain can be washed off, but inhaling smoke can be far more dangerous,” Hansell cautioned. “Fine particles can permeate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, increasing risks for chronic diseases.”

Accumulation of toxins in the environment may also contaminate local food sources, leading to long-term health threats.

Regional Impact

While larger particles may settle quickly, smaller harmful particles can travel vast distances via wind currents, potentially affecting air quality as far away as Washington, D.C. As winds shift, smoke from the fire could drift into neighboring countries as well.

It is advised that residents of Iran remain indoors to minimize exposure. If outdoors, wearing masks and goggles is recommended to prevent acid rain exposure.

Individuals should be vigilant about drinking water quality, seeking alternatives if they notice unusual tastes or dark particles.

Other countries should be alert to potential fallout, and health officials will likely issue warnings regarding air quality if necessary.

“The magnitude of environmental devastation doesn’t acknowledge borders,” Hansell warned. “What contaminates one area could migrate, affecting many.”}

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

How Daily Multivitamins Can Help Slow Down the Aging Process

Posted on March 9, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Health-conscious individuals may take multivitamins, but their benefits are debated

Lenar Nigmatulin/Shutterstock

Health-conscious people may choose to take multivitamins — Health-conscious individuals may take multivitamins, but their benefits are debated

Lenar Nigmatulin/Shutterstock

Recent studies indicate that daily intake of multivitamins and minerals may slow cognitive decline in individuals over 60, and now, evidence suggests these supplements could potentially slow aging on a broader scale.

However, the findings are based on indirect aging measures, making it unclear what this means in terms of health advantages. Currently, medical experts, including Howard Sesso from Harvard University, advise against universally recommending multivitamins for older adults. He notes, “While we haven’t seen significant adverse effects, the benefits are still uncertain.”

Historically, it has been claimed that individual vitamins provide various health benefits, but this approach can sometimes be harmful. For instance, excessive vitamin A can weaken bones and too much vitamin B3 may cause liver damage. Additionally, high levels of vitamin B6 can result in loss of sensation in limbs. The UK Health Service recommends that everyone take vitamin D, usually during winter months.

Multivitamin supplements, like Centrum Silver utilized in this research, typically contain recommended daily intake amounts. According to Sesso, “These doses are not excessive.”

To investigate potential effects, Sesso and his team randomly assigned 1,000 participants with an average age of 70 to either receive the supplement or a placebo. “This was a rigorously designed, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial,” he explains. Steve Horvath from UCLA, not involved in the study, remarks, “This distinction differentiates us from much of the supplement research, which often relies on observational data riddled with confounding factors.”

Researchers collected blood samples from participants at the study’s outset, one year later, and again two years later. They analyzed the DNA from immune cells, looking for epigenetic markers—chemical tags added to DNA—at specific genomic locations.

Epigenetic markers change predictably with age, enabling researchers to estimate a person’s biological age through blood tests. Various epigenetic clocks have been developed, differing based on which genomic segments are analyzed.

Sesso’s research utilized five epigenetic clocks, all indicating that individuals taking multivitamins exhibited slightly younger biological profiles than those taking a placebo. However, significant results were only evident in two clocks. According to Horvath, “The significant results stemmed from second-generation clocks, which have emerged as the most reliable for evaluating longevity interventions.”

While first-generation clocks are effective for predicting age, many markers they observe are not inherently linked to health, Horvath points out. In contrast, second-generation clocks are built upon markers associated with health risks and mortality. “Nonetheless, the effect size remains modest,” he adds. “This is certainly not a miracle solution for aging.”

“The observed differences were minimal compared to the variation in participants prior to the intervention,” states Daniel Belsky from Columbia University.

The researchers determine that the epigenetic clock lag they discovered equates to approximately four months over two years. However, this may not convey the entire picture. Belsky explains that how age-related improvements correlate with conventional time drastically varies across different clocks.

Sesso acknowledges the ambiguity surrounding the health implications of these epigenetic measures. “Understanding how a four-month reduction in biological aging translates into clinical benefits is still a mystery,” he admits.

Most study participants were of European descent, leaving uncertainty about whether these slight reductions in epigenetic aging apply to non-Europeans or younger demographics. The longevity of these results when using different multivitamins also remains undetermined.

While the study is complete, the potential effects of cocoa extract were also assessed, with some participants taking it in conjunction with their vitamins or as a placebo substitute. Notably, cocoa extract did not yield any significant effects on the epigenetic clocks.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Triassic-Era Crocodile Relatives: New Evidence of Bipedal Walking Adaptations

Posted on March 9, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Recently excavated fossils from the Shinle Formation in Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona, USA, have unveiled a fascinating creature: Sonserascus cedrus, a member of the Shubosaurus lineage that roamed the Earth approximately 215 million years ago during the Triassic period. It is believed that this dinosaur began its life walking on four legs before transitioning to a bipedal posture as it matured.

Reconstruction of Sonserascus cedrus 215 million years ago, showcasing the environment of what is now Petrified Forest National Park. Image credit: Gabriel Uguet.

Sonserascus cedrus is part of the Shubosauridae family, a unique group of pseudoarchosaurs known for their body shape resembling that of ornithomimid theropod dinosaurs.

This dinosaur stood approximately 63.5 centimeters (25 inches) tall, featuring a toothless beak, large eye sockets, and hollow bones.

University of Washington researcher Elliott Armor-Smith stated, “Although Sonserascus cedrus shares characteristics with ornithomimid dinosaurs, these features seem to have evolved independently due to similar ecological roles in a shared environment of crocodilian and avian archosaurs.”

Armor-Smith added, “Bipedalism, toothless beaks, hollow bones, and large orbits are typically associated with ornithomimid theropod dinosaurs, but Sonserascus cedrus demonstrates that these traits can also evolve within crocodiloforms.”

More than 950 fossil specimens representing at least 36 individuals of Sonserascus cedrus have been discovered.

“By examining the limb proportions of various specimens, we propose that their bipedal posture may arise from distinct growth patterns,” Armor-Smith noted.

“We believe as Sonserascus cedrus aged, its forelimbs and hindlimbs maintained proportionality, with hindlimbs ultimately becoming longer and more robust,” he continued.

“Essentially, these creatures likely started life as quadrupeds, transitioning to bipedalism as they matured, which is quite intriguing.”

The name Sonserascus cedrus reflects its connection to cedar trees, evergreen conifers that thrived in Late Triassic forests.

“Since initiating fieldwork at Petrified Forest in 2014, we have collected over 3,000 fossils from the area, including those of Sonserascus cedrus,” stated Professor Christian Sydow from the University of Washington. “These bones are remarkably well-preserved, showing no signs of decay.”

“In addition to Sonserascus cedrus, we have also uncovered fossils of fish, amphibians, dinosaurs, and other reptiles within the bone beds.”

For further details on this remarkable discovery, refer to the research paper published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

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Elliott Armor Smith and Christian A. Sydow. 2026. Osteology and relationships of a new Shubosaurid (Pseudoschia, Poposaurinae) excavated from the upper Triassic Chinle Formation of Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona, USA Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology published online March 8, 2026. doi: 10.1080/02724634.2025.2604859

Source: www.sci.news